By Sam Byrnes, Chief Product Officer, SafetyCulture
When US manufacturers consider digital transformation, the conversation often revolves around boosting productivity, cutting costs, and enhancing operational efficiency. While these objectives are crucial for maintaining competitiveness, there’s another significant advantage that often flies under the radar: improving frontline worker morale.
It’s a bit of a paradox that many manufacturers, responsible for producing cutting-edge technology and products, still rely on outdated paper-based processes. For those on the frontline, these inefficient systems are more than just clunky – they can be a source of frustration, leading to disengagement, increased turnover, and low morale.
Even when businesses turn to software, if it’s not implemented thoughtfully, the problem can worsen. In a recent survey by SafetyCulture, we discovered that nearly two-thirds of workers (61%) are dissatisfied with their workplace tools and IT systems. This suggests that many employees feel their tools are inadequate, they are overwhelmed by too many systems, or simply undertrained to use them effectively.
However, for companies that successfully embrace digital transformation, the benefits go beyond operational efficiency. A growing trend in the industry is the shift to paperless, app-based processes. Innovative businesses are prioritizing user-friendly, mobile-first solutions that require little to no training—if you can use a smartphone, you can use the system.
The impact of such tools can be profound. Employees feel more empowered, more confident in their roles, and better supported by their employers. This has been particularly true for older workers, who spent much of their careers relying on manual, paper-based processes.
Take Schindler, for example. They’re a longstanding US manufacturing company with a large workforce spread across multiple locations. Schindler had been relying on manual audits, using countless sheets of paper every month, which increased the risk of hazards occurring. Teams needed the ability to quickly recognize and stop unsafe situations, but paper process weren’t fit for purpose.
After a strategic move to digitize its internal processes, employees were able to flag anything that didn’t seem quite right from wherever they were, and escalate instantly. With all communication housed in one centralized location, it was easy to track performance indicators and identify areas for improvement. Schindler not only saved time and resources but experienced their safest years on record.
A key part of this success was internal advocacy. Rather than mandating the change from the top down, a Safety Manager who was a trusted leader amongst workforce peers stepped up. They were trained on the new platform and demonstrated its benefits to colleagues. As workers saw the impact firsthand and felt their feedback was valued, adoption of the system grew organically.
Boosting morale on the frontline isn’t simple, and it can be tough to quantify. But if your employees are consistently expressing frustration with outdated processes, it’s time to listen. Digital transformation could be the key to not only streamlining operations but also re-engaging your workforce.
Sam Byrnes is Chief Product Officer at SafetyCulture, a global workplace operations platform used by over 85,000 organizations to complete more than a billion checks annually. Visit safetyculture.com for more information.
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