It has been a few weeks since PM Boris Johnson announced to manufacturers directly that they can go back to the workplace whilst sticking to social distancing rules. This week the Tuesday Mastermind group discussed how business leaders can bring the structure back into their employees' working lives.
The Made Mastermind group was started to offer members a space to express their current issues and challenges for the Made in Group to then help them overcome this by presenting it to the wider group. Today’s group discussed relatable concerns that reached across different businesses, this mainly focused on furloughed staff.
This weeks group involved host and Deputy CEO of the Made in Group Charles Addison, Clarie Robison, Managing Director of Wrekin Sheet Metal, Edward James, Managing Director at Citizen Machinery, Andrew Eastwood, Managing Director at Carr Tool Steels, Garth Christie, Chairman at Hazel 4D, Stephen Hemming, Managing Director at Liberty Pressings, Paul Hodgetts, Business Development Manager at In-Comm Training, Susan Marlow, Finance Director at Microminster and Nick Godfrey, Managing Director at Central Scanning.
One member mentioned that since the Government announcement aimed at manufacturers a couple of weeks ago, they have personally taken the decision to work from the office for at least 3 days a week. As a business leader, the member decided to do this to ensure structure back into their own working routine but also to demonstrate to staff that a level of normality is returning.
However other members stressed their concern of staff who are reluctant to return to work still due to the new routine of working from home. Whilst many have highlighted they have seen an increase in productivity since working from home, in the long run, businesses leaders agree that this will come at a cost to ensure staff are working safely at home e.g new desktops and correct office equipment.
Another member told the group of their success with training staff through online courses during the work from home or furlough period to boost confidence in a time of challenging uncertainty.
The general feeling amongst members was that whilst times are still challenging and uncertain, by diversifying into new markets and adapting to the changing times they are starting to see business returning to normal. One member amongst the group even mentioned their record month in May and are set to see another in June by diversifying to new markets.
On another note, this isn't the case for everyone, those who supply to the automotive sector are still seeing a decline in work.
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