Modern working models in Production

How to improve efficiency and increase employee motivation

Increasing competition and price pressures, greater pressure to perform and more flexible work structures mean more is being demanded when it comes to the quality of employees and their motivation, commitment and wellbeing. Poorly motivated employees cost the economy billions every year. Employee motivation is no longer a preference, but an absolute must in any ambitiously managed company. Employees require motivation to bolster their self-esteem, as well as to increase their performance, the quality of their work and their contribution to the company.

There are several studies, approaches and working models that can be used today to motivate employees, to encourage them and to contribute toward a more economic performance. The emphasis here needs to be on "long-term" motivation. Bonus payments and incentive payments are really more short-term guarantees of success. Motivation encouraged by praise, recognition and respect should be a must in any company regardless.

This approach also needs to be consistently applied over the long-term. Especially when the aim is to increase the loyalty, morale and thus also performance of the employee through clear personnel management and an active corporate culture.

We are now going to look at three possible models, with which job motivation and employee efficiency can be increased over the long-term. This not only leads to a better utilisation of employee potential, but also increases profits. And not in the short-term either, but permanently!

Job Enlargement

Job Enlargement involves increasing the scope of activity for an employee. In other words, there is a broader assignment of tasks. Additional tasks requiring the same level of performance are added to the employee's workload, tasks which had previously been performed up- or downstream. This approach is thus also described as horizontal restructuring. The aim of "Job Enlargement" is to facilitate relief or diversion through a change in demands or stress, to counteract monotony and thus ensure work continues without a break.

Job Enrichment

Job Enrichment involves improving the quality of work. By expanding the scope of decision-making and control through the incorporation of activities involving planning, preparation, execution and management. The previous activity is thus expanded by a workload that demands more from the employee. This is thus described as vertical restructuring. The aim of "Job Enrichment" is to grant the employee more responsibility and to make their role within the company more interesting, thus increasing job satisfaction and motivation.

Job Rotation

Job Rotation refers to the systematic rotation of employees within a company. This can take place within short intervals and cycles or on a monthly basis. The rotations, depending on the duration of the cycle, may take place within a department, across departments or even across plants.

Job Rotation is a recommended option for manufacturing companies. Because this is not only a way to increase motivation, and thus employee efficiency, through workload balance but also a way of avoiding downtimes. An example: When visually inspecting assembly lines, experience has shown that concentration lapses after 20 minutes and a break is required. By moving on to other work, the rest times that would have been necessary without rotation can be avoided.

Due to various employees being used at one workstation, the Job Rotation model requires a work chair that is easily adaptable. The Job Enlargement and Job Enrichment models ensure that new and different activities are carried out by one person, also presenting new challenges at the workplace. For example, the option of simply replacing the seat upholstery may be necessary due to the various activities carried out. The wellbeing of employees is determined by how well as chair meets working requirements. Switching between tasks thus also has an influence on company equipment. A good, flexible chair is a sign of appreciation, aimed at motivating employees. An optimally designed workplace has considerable influence on motivation and thus the productivity of the employees.

All measures to encourage motivation have one thing in common: They provide a balance, increase the quality and efficiency of work, ensure greater identification with work content, work objectives and the company as a whole.

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