|

From Suits to Steel-Toes: Why Shop Floor Harmony Builds Manufacturing Gold

February 6, 2025

From Suits to Steel-Toes: Why ShopFloor Harmony Builds ManufacturingGold

OPINION By Swathi Mohan, Founder of Leanacle Inc.

Why engagement on the shop floor is instrumental for running a successful manufacturing business

Boeing reported a loss of more than $6 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024. New CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized that he wants to “reset” management’s relationship with labor so we don’t become so disconnected in the future. Click here to read the related news article.

Among other problems plaguing Boeing, the most notable is the labour strike of its 33,000 machinists. A quick Google search reveals that Boeing isn’t alone, labour protests among Kaiser mental health workers, Canada Post workers, US port workers, and Montreal dockworkers are some of North America’s most notable issues arising from strained relationships between management and workforce in the current time.

Ortberg brings attention to a very critical albeit often overlooked factor in the success of a company. A positive engagement between management and employees. If there is no alignment between the makers of the strategic goals and the teams that implement them, a disconnect arises. Not addressed in a timely manner, this disconnect can lead to adverse effects on the business.

How can we bridge the engagement gap on the shop floor? Where management and frontline workers are physically separated, wear different types of clothing, and work in vastly different conditions? Frontline workers often face harsher environments, dealing with high noise levels, dust, oil, fumes, metal shavings, hotter temperatures, and physical strain. Management, on the other hand, may be oblivious to the physical demands of the frontline workers’ daily tasks, as they focus on the heavy lifting in the thinking realm—handling day-to-day tactics and long-term strategic planning.

This disconnect, where employees may not fully appreciate management’s mental efforts and planning, while management may not fully grasp the physical toll on workers, can lead to a gap in understanding each other’s contributions.

Would it be naive to think that four quarterly meetings, a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving lunch, and a summer barbecue are enough to truly bridge this gap? Do you think that monthly engagement activities between management and employees would make a meaningful difference? These events are mostly one way communications from management to employees.

What if there was a way to provide a voice to the employees as well as generate a return on investment?
Now are talking.

There is a proven, practical way to achieve all of this—not only bridging the gap but also driving operational efficiency by uncovering hidden opportunities on the shop floor with the insights from those adding value every day.

COMMWIP Events: Turning Insight into Action
What if the key to unlocking hidden efficiency on the shop floor lies with the very people who operate it daily? COMMWIP Events tap into the insights of frontline workers while addressing the seven wastes—Correction, Overproduction, Motion, Material, Waiting, Inventory, and Processing.

These events aren’t just about training; they’re about creating a dialogue. Through interactive exercises and real-world problem-solving, employees become active participants in transforming their workplaces. The results speak for themselves—one SME uncovered over $260,000 in cost savings while boosting employee morale and driving operational improvements.

When the gap between management and workers narrows, innovation flourishes, and efficiency becomes second nature. Can your organization afford to overlook this untapped potential?

Key Note from the Author

From Suits to Steel-Toes: Why ShopFloor Harmony Builds ManufacturingGold

Swathi Mohan, Founder of Leanacle Inc
Still unsure about the impact of shop floor engagement? Try this simple yet powerful exercise: Take just 10 minutes today to ask each of your team members, “What’s one thing that could make your work easier or more efficient?” Don’t offer solutions, just listen. By the end of the day, you’ll likely have at least one actionable idea that can drive meaningful improvement. If that’s the case, imagine what could happen if you tapped into the ideas and insights from every employee across the shop floor. The potential for improvement is right in front of you—waiting to be unlocked.

Swathi is a former Toyota engineer and founder of Leanacle, where she helps automotive SMEs unlock “profit-boosting efficiency.” She says her clients have seen up to 30% revenue growth in just 90 days by leveraging her expertise in uncovering hidden opportunities on the shop floor.

More Information

Leanacle

Related Stories

Mechatronics Canada Digest Archives

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

    August 19, 2025 The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance. Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines… Read More…

  • ABB Invests in Made in Canada with Installation Products that Electrify Our World 

    August 18, 2025 By Krystie Johnston  ABB recently announced their plan to build a new R&D and manufacturing facility in Canada. It will combine their existing facilities in Iberville and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to increase production capacity and support future growth in key sectors across Canada like utilities, energy, and infrastructure. Michael Shenouda, Canada Region Leader –… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Compact Class Sets New Standards: Economy AX1000 Servo Drives and AF1000 VFDs

    August 21, 2025 Economy drive system expands the motion portfolio AX1000 servo drive: extremely compact and efficient The AX1000 economy servo drives are a particularly cost-efficient series in the 1.65 to 6.9 A nominal current range, and meet the highest technological standards. Two versions are available: Despite their compact dimensions, they still manage to incorporate an integrated… Read More…

  • Simple! Safe! Future-Proof! Drive Train with MOVI-C®

    August 21, 2025 SEW-Eurodrive’s MOVI-C® modular automation system is your full-service provider for all automation tasks. One manufacturer, one comprehensive end-to-end drivetrain solution – including services, hardware and software, from planning, commissioning and servicing. What do you get out of this? Maximum relief. Simple energy saving Energy-efficient transmitting Efficiency and gear units go hand in hand… Read More…