A participatively designed shift system reduces turnover in a glass factory

Authors :: Cummings, Thomas G.
Kizilos, Mark A.
Source :: National Productivity Review. Autumn, 1995, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p67, 10 p.
Publication Year :: 1995
Abstract: About a quarter of the total workforce in the US work in shift systems, which are implemented to recover investments faster in capital-intensive industries and to maintain continuous customer service in vital industries. However, shift systems often result in higher incidence of industrial accidents, higher turnover, low productivity and other problems. The experience of a glass factory is presented to show how a participatively designed shift system reduced turnover and improved productivity.<br />Organizations that seek the advantages of 24-hour operations frequently experience personnel problems related to the demands of shiftwork. Common difficulties include excessive turnover, poor productivity, and increased incidence of industrial [...]