Workplace Profiles

2021 Thriving Workplace Score

Rank

#16

of 19

Manufacturing

64.7/100

+1.3

64.7

+1.3

0
100

The Manufacturing industry includes manufacturing of food, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing, wood products, paper, jewellery, machinery, equipment, rubber, metals and chemicals, printing and reproduction of recorded media.

Graph – Thriving Score for the Manufacturing Industry over time

Industry Thriving Score: Progress over Time

The Manufacturing industry saw an increase in four of the five domains in the last year, with connectedness bouncing back (up 2.2 points) from its lowest ever score in 2020.

Culture, capability and policy also improved substantially in that time, while leadership remained steady. In fact, the overall thriving workplace score increased by the largest margin so far (up 1.3) after continuous growth since 2018, suggesting workplaces are starting to gain momentum in their efforts to become mentally healthy.

The policy domain has improved the most over the last four years, with substantial growth each year leading to a 4.0 increase between 2018 and 2021. While the industry is making good progress, it is still below the national average and ranked 16th (out of 19 industries) as many other industries have also moved closer to thriving in the last 12 months.

This graph depicts the Thriving Score for the Manufacturing Industry over time

Graph – Thriving Score for the Manufacturing industry over time

What can you do?

The recent loss of momentum in leadership while other domains surged ahead highlights a clear area for workplaces to focus on over the next 12 months. Check out SuperFriend’s Leading Teams Well package to learn more about how your workplace can grow leadership capability and thrive.

Leading Teams Well package
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Within this industry…

44.2%

of workers have experienced a mental health condition* in the last 12 months
*Refer to Technical report notes

47.9%

of workers feel their workplace is highly supportive of workers’ mental health and wellbeing

66.9%

of workers plan to stay with their workplace for the next 12 months

Psychosocial Risk Profile

Psychosocial risks are workplace operations that increase stress and reduce mental wellbeing.
Read more

Inappropriate workload

2.4

Low recognition

2.5

Poor change management

2.5

Poor management support

2.5

Low job control

2.3

Poor role clarity

2.4

Poor workplace relationships

2.1

Poor working environment

2.1

Traumatic events

2.0

Key:

Table – Psychosocial Risk Profile for Manufacturing industry

Highest Psychosocial Risk

The highest psychosocial risk facing the Manufacturing industry is poor change management, low recognition and poor management support.

How can you manage this risk?

Poor change management, low recognition and poor management support are key risks that can be improved in the Manufacturing industry. All of these areas can be directly related to leadership, indicating workplaces in the industry can focus on building leadership capability to support workers.

Change is a constant part of our lives and it can be even harder for workers during times of uncertainty such as throughout the pandemic when changes are occurring rapidly. You can support workers during change by:

  •  Ask workers for input on how they would like to roll out any new processes
  • Making sure you’re communicating any changes clearly
  • Checking-in with workers often to see if they understand the change or need any support
  • Ensure workers have the tools and training to implement new processes.

It’s important to value each team member and recognising their good work. Examples of this could include:

  • Celebrate achievements e.g., weekly team meetings shout outs, lunch/coffee/pub voucher as recognition of good work
  • Incorporating regular, immediate and specific feedback to acknowledge effort, excellence and skillset
  • Have a documented rewards and recognition program that clearly outlines how workers should be rewarded for different behaviours.

Positive changes starts from the top, and leaders have a role in supporting the wellbeing of their teams. Leaders can do this by:

  • Listening to the thoughts and experiences of individuals
  • Providing individuals with the recognition they need
  • Building a team environment of open communication and support
  • Encouraging team members to work on tasks that align with their strengths and motivations.
Learn more

Check out WorkSafe Victoria’s Workwell Toolkit for the Manufacturing industry.

WorkSafe Victoria: Workwell Toolkit for the Manufacturing industry

Check out SuperFriend’s Elevate your Leadership: Positive Strategies for Successful Teams course, which provides individuals with knowledge and skills to promote engagement and enjoyment in their work.

Elevate Your Leadership: Positive Strategies for Successful Teams
Learn more about this course