Axalta's bodyshop process ace Robin Taylor has observed that lack of communication is one of the major employee complaints. Here's how to address this.
One of the most common issues I see is the lack of communication between the shopfloor and administration. However, lack of communication happens at all levels. To address the issue we recommend a production walk through followed by a production meeting.
A regular Toolbox Talk is one method to help improve the communication across the business.The Toolbox Talk concept was originally focused on safety and were an unofficial group discussion that mainly focused on a specific safety issues with simple minutes being taken. The concept then spread to include environmental management.
I believe the formal Toolbox meetings can have a much broader business perspective and are a great way to:
- Build awareness of where the business is heading
- Share how the business is performing, is it on track for its targets?
- Communicate complaints and positive feedback from the customer via customer surveys - including feedback from work providors
- For an effective Toolbox Meeting management should be using their ears more than their vocal chords. Ask your team questions and listen to their feedback – much of which is likely to be valuable.
- Reinforce your safety and environmental practices and standards.
- Get employees thinking, talking and participating. Engaged team members are more productive.
Toolbox Talk don'ts
- Don't hold Toolbox Talks just to give negative feedback and tell everyone what they are doing wrong.
- Don't be erratic. Make sure the meetings are regular
- Don't wing it. Make sure you have an agenda. Where appropriate action has been agreed, this should be the first item reviewed in the next meeting.
- Don't view Toolbox Talks as a burden, or imposition on your tiem. There are tons of benefits to toolbox talks if you conduct them regularly and get them right. They provide great benefit to attitudes and outcomes when compared to the time and effort spent in preparing and delivering them.