Shift-Based work is prevalent in many industries we regularly interact with on a daily basis such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. It varies from the traditional 9 – 5 working schedule, and includes doing evening, night or early morning shifts.
Unfortunately, for shift-based workers, their schedules can be unpredictable, and it can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Therefore, proper training is critical for shift workers to ensure their safety and productivity.
Let’s explore some reasons why training is essential for shift-based workers:
Safety
Safety is a top priority for shift workers. They may work during the night or early morning when visibility is low, and they may have to operate heavy machinery or work with hazardous materials.
Training helps shift workers to be aware of and identify potential safety hazards so they can take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. It also helps them to learn emergency procedures and first aid techniques in case of an accident.
For instance, healthcare workers who work in night shifts may have to deal with emergency cases without the support of a senior doctor.
Therefore, they would need to be well-trained in CPR and first aid to ensure they can save a life and handle critical situations efficiently.
Health
Shift work can negatively impact the physical and mental health of workers. With irregular sleep, it can lead to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. Over time, other health issues can arise like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
With proper training and guidance, shift workers will have the tools that will mitigate these health issues. Teaching them about healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and sleep hygiene will benefit not only them but the business too.
For businesses who can afford to, offer your staff wellness programs, educate them about the importance of regular exercise, healthy food choices, and mental health practices like meditation and mindfulness.
Productivity
Shift-based workers play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of many industries.
Like any worker, they are responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, deadlines are met and customers are served efficiently.
Proper onboarding training can help shift workers to perform their tasks more efficiently, which can improve productivity, engagement, happier employees and happier, loyal customers!
Training can help shift-based workers to learn about the latest tools and technologies that can make their jobs easier (we all want that!). It can also help them to identify potential bottlenecks in the workflow and come up with innovative solutions to overcome them.
Communication
Effective communication is critical, like any organisation, good communication is required amongst a team to get the job done.
You may have to communicate with team members, supervisors, and customers during shifts, but undergoing training can ensure you’re doing this in the most effective way so people understand the information, the requirements, deadlines etc.
Those communication skills will also play hugely in other aspects of life too.
Part of the training can also help shift workers to learn about cultural sensitivities and communication barriers that may arise while working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Job Satisfaction
Lack of job satisfaction can lead to high turnover rates, which can negatively impact the overall productivity of an organisation.
Training can help shift workers to feel more confident and competent in their roles, which can lead to higher job satisfaction.
On the job training will allow for career advancement and role progression internally as they develop new skills that will open them up to new job opportunities in the future.
Organisations that employ shift workers should invest in training programs and proper onboarding training to ensure that their employees are well-equipped to handle the challenges that come with shift work. Whether it’s for a barista, a salesperson, a receptionist or site supervisor, training will always pay off.
By doing so, they can create a more engaged and productive workforce that can contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
