Recently, production has been putting a lot of emphasis on cross training employees. Employees are no longer trained just for one job or one line. Now many employees are being trained and gaining the flexibility to perform multiple duties. For example, someone working on the saw might also be trained to fill or shrink-wrap. Now, a filler might be trained to work on special custom jobs which are more complex than their typical line work.
Cross training is smart because it allows our employees to be more versatile and fill in when we’re short staffed or an important worker is missing. It also helps people rise to leadership positions by building skill sets. Working a day in a different department allows people to understand the unique challenges faced as an order moves from upstairs, through the saw room, to production and then packing.
In these months of large back to school orders, vacations and saying farewell to our summer help, things have been pretty hectic. Everyone at Frame USA has put in the extra effort, time and dedication to keep our numbers up and make sure orders go out on time. In order to help out on other lines, almost everyone in production has gone outside their comfort zone. Many covered new positions and learned new skills as a result. because people are willing to learn and work together we are all able to meet our goals.
Being willing to learn pays off in many ways. Learning a new skill can get you ready for a new job, such as being a joiner. It can give you more options as well. A filler who helps out on complex orders might end up spending a few days in the retail store to help.
By cross training we’re making Frame USA more efficient and flexible and creating employees that are smart, skilled and able to jump in wherever needed. I want to give props to everyone who has taken the extra initiative to help out and give our summer months a little more vacation time and a little less overtime.
~ Hannah Sypniewski, Joiner
