When you think about manufacturing job benefits, flexibility isn’t typically one of them. Since this line of work usually requires employees to be physically present, most jobs have historically been attached to a more rigid schedule.

In today’s tech-savvy world, flexible working arrangements have become extremely common — and many forward-thinking manufacturing companies are starting to incorporate this into their culture. Top talent seeks employers that value a solid work-life balance, so find out how to make it happen.

Five Ways to Offer a Flexible Work Schedule in Manufacturing

Split Shifts

Traditionally, employees work each shift uninterrupted, but it might not have to be that way. Just as it sounds, split shifts allow people to break their shift up into multiple parts. For example, an employee might work four hours in the morning, take a two-hour break, then return for another four hours. This allows them to balance work with other priorities in their lives.

Flexible Work Hours

You need employees to work a certain number of hours per day, but it might not matter exactly what those hours are. Allowing people to choose their own start and end times — at least to an extent — gives them the ability to enjoy a well-rounded life. For example, employees might be able to structure their schedule so they’re able to drop their children off at school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.

Compressed Work Week

Most employees report to work five days per week, but there’s a way to complete the same amount of work in fewer shifts. A compressed work week allows people to work longer shifts in exchange for more days off each week. For example, instead of working five, eight-hour shifts, they might work four, 10-hour shifts. Working longer days gives them more continuous time to focus on other aspects of their lives.

Shift Swapping

Sometimes life gets in the way of work. Having to choose between calling off work and tending to an important personal matter is rough, so make it easier for employees by allowing shift swapping. Employees are often happy to help colleagues out by trading their own shifts or picking up extra hours. As long as both workers are equally capable of doing the job, you won’t even notice a difference.

Part-Time Positions

Some people have a demanding personal life that just doesn’t allow them to work 40 hours per week. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t want a rewarding career. Offering part-time positions — possibly with longer shifts than those worked by full-time employees — allows these professionals to have it all.

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