Why have a backup labour plan and procedures?

Being prepared for any situation in your manufacturing plant should always be a priority—especially in relation to your workforce. People move, get sick or may not stay for various reasons—not all of which are within your control. By creating a backup labour or succession plan, you can minimise disruptions.

Here are five reasons why it’s vital to develop a backup labour plan in your Melbourne manufacturing facility.

1. Ensure continuity in production

It's no secret that staff turnover rates are at an all-time high. So a backup labour plan is more crucial to the success of your business than ever before. A plan will help ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently when people leave or are sick, so you’re not overly dependent on particular people in any role.

2. Fire underperforming employees without affecting your business

When employees don’t meet your expectations, despite your efforts, it’s time to let them go. But firing an employee can leave you short-staffed. With a backup labour plan in place, you’ll already have replacements or contingencies ready, minimising the impact on your operations.

3. Help new employees ease into their roles

New employees will be more productive and settle in better if you help them reduce their reliance on others. Providing easy-to-understand instructions and procedures will help people get off to a flying start. A list of external and internal contacts for someone to reach out to for further help is also a smart move. Getting ready also involves doing everything possible so that new employees can do their best work while getting accustomed to their role and your company culture.

4. Mitigate risk in the event of unexpected circumstances

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we need to be prepared for any change in internal or external circumstances. Many people around the world have lost their jobs temporarily or permanently, supply and demand for many goods and services have shifted almost instantly, and workers have been off sick, in isolation or put into lockdown with no notice. Many have also used this time to re-evaluate what matters most to them in life, sometimes quitting jobs unexpectedly because of life circumstances or dissatisfying work arrangements. In these unprecedented times, a labour backup plan has proved more vital than ever before.

5. Capture critical procedures before knowledge is lost

Clear, thorough and up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs) help cut the time it takes for knowledge to pass from one person onto another if someone leaves. SOPs are the perfect way to ensure that your employees always follow the right steps, with instructions covering every aspect of efficient, quality and uniform output. They also help to avoid miscommunication or failures to follow industry regulations. Logging and sharing information about clients in your maintenance management or client system is also vital to ensure continuity of service if a client relationship manager leaves.

Do you need experienced and reliable backup workers for your facility? Kottek’s high-performing industrial maintenance workforce is here to help.