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A thumbs up and positive reinforcement in a job shop go a long way

Pizza parties, doughnuts, and T-shirts can break up the grind of metal fabrication

A thumbs up and positive reinforcement in a job shop goes a long way

The grind at a small metal fabrication business can be relentless and, oftentimes, thankless. Nick Martin of Barnes MetalCrafters reminds us that a little positive reinforcement and some doughnuts can go a long way in the job shop. Getty Images

I’ve come to the conclusion that occasionally everyone needs a good pat on the back in the metal fabrication industry. An attaboy, a high five, or possibly money, just a little something to make it known that the work they have been doing is appreciated.

What can you do to let your people know? At Barnes MetalCrafters, we like to do a few things – nothing out of the ordinary. Acknowledging work well done seems like such a simple thing, but we often underestimate the potential good it can do. Even just a simple thank you goes a long way.

We get in the groove and push parts out the door, often not communicating with a co-worker for days. You know they are there, you see them, but you both know that there is too much work on the table. Chitchatting is not always an option. There is no time to waste in a busy job shop.

One of the easiest things you can do to break up the grindstone is to buy some doughnuts. Let everyone know that some are in the break room or front office. Make everyone get away from their workstation for a few minutes, even if it is not break time. It is a nice breath of fresh air. At our fab shop, a co-worker, usually Angie from the front office, will surprise everyone with some hot doughnuts. That’s always a great pick-me-up in the morning.

Not everyone has the luxury of a world-famous biscuit joint in their backyard like we do in this part of the South. Flo’s Kitchen, a diner here in Wilson, makes the best biscuits, and occasionally we buy a round for the entire shop. We all take a morning break together and chitchat about what is going on. It’s even a great time for a company powwow. My dad, Tim Martin, often updates our team on upcoming projects and anything else that is going on. We normally tell everyone a day in advance if we are doing biscuits since they often replace an entire meal physically and mentally. But being prepared for one of Flo’s big biscuits is an understatement.

And, of course, a pizza party is also a big hit in most workplaces. Everyone likes pizza, especially if it is free. A lot of people run and pick something up for lunch. Personally, I bring my lunch and try to get away from the computer for a few minutes to clear my head. Having most of my co-workers around for a meal makes for some pure entertainment. There is always something funny going on, and keeping the camaraderie alive is key to making any workplace thrive.

An attaboy is always a great gesture. Simply telling someone they are doing a good job can make their day much more productive. Not only will they put more work out the door, but their positive vibes will definitely rub off on the next co-worker. Criticism should be constructive and inclusive because you are both working toward the same productive outcome, typically.

We all like a good T-shirt. Most of our employees typically wear jeans and a T-shirt to work and pull on a jacket or sleeve when welding. We often hand out several T-shirts throughout the year to each employee. The welders tend to eat them up pretty fast, so they like the new threads. With matching shirts, not only do we all look like a team, we feel like a team.

I’m speaking from small fab shop experience. I know this all can’t easily be done in larger-scale fabrication and manufacturing facilities, but I could be wrong. Make people feel appreciated, and make sure they are. I know raises are not always the answer because, often, they can’t be. Do the simple things first. A happy birthday, pats on backs, and pizza parties.

What does your shop do to keep everyone motivated and positive?

About the Author
Barnes MetalCrafters

Nick Martin

2121 Industrial Park Drive SE

Wilson, NC, 27893

252-291-0925