Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1519888
S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 / W O R K F O R M E 27 clarity can create undue worry and stress. Ensuring your people experience their jobs in a purposeful way is also important. Ask employees for their input on decisions and for their suggestions. No autonomy, high workloads and pressure can be a sure-fire recipe for a toxic work environment. For some easy environmental solutions, bring some plants into the office, promote lunch breaks and healthy eating and make sure your office temperature is around 70 degrees, a level most find comfortable. Intervene early Difficulties arise and unexpected things happen. It is important as a manager to be aware of any changes in the behavior of employees so you can intervene early and support your staff's health and avoid the development of more severe disorders. Some behavioral changes to look out for are an employee frequently arriving late when they haven't been known to do so, skipping lunch, missing deadlines, and either becoming more extroverted, or more introverted than normal. Emotionally, employees who are strug- gling may show new irritability and a loss of confidence. Increases in mistakes and trouble concentrating and decision mak- ing are also initial warning signs. These are important to note for early intervention. Having an opportunity to talk and listen to your employee before things get worse is key to maintaining a healthy workplace when the inevitable life struggles occur. Support rest and recharging While the idea of work-life balance can mean something different to each person, employers should encourage staff to use their earned time off. Create a culture where this is openly talked about as a positive. Suggest staff take a mental health break during the day. Short bursts of activity like going for a walk can reenergize people — even if it is just around the parking lot. This provides an opportunity to reset their mind away from computer screens and office spaces. Taking time to rest and recharge has been proven to help increase concentration, creativity and productivity. When it comes to retention, consistency and results, promoting a healthy and emo- tionally resilient workplace is one of the most impactful ways you as a leader can support success and growth. n Today's manufacturing operations often bear no Today's manufacturing operations often bear no resemblance to factories of the past. Workers resemblance to factories of the past. Workers are trained in technology. There are also design, are trained in technology. There are also design, sales and administrative jobs to be filled. sales and administrative jobs to be filled. MANUFACTURING 2 8 2 8 Directory of Directory of Manufacturers Manufacturers in Maine in Maine With year founded With year founded and Maine-based and Maine-based employee range employee range T H E N E X T PAG E T H E N E X T PAG E » S p o n s o r e d P r o f i l e s 32 32 General Dynamics Bath General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Iron Works A full-service shipyard A full-service shipyard 34 34 Spirit AeroSystems Co. Spirit AeroSystems Co. Formerly known as FMI Formerly known as FMI 36 36 Harvey Performance Co. Harvey Performance Co. Known for innovative Known for innovative products products 37 37 Hews Company Hews Company Producing high-quality truck Producing high-quality truck equipment equipment 38 38 Hunting Dearborn Inc. Hunting Dearborn Inc. Manufacturing advanced Manufacturing advanced alloy products alloy products 39 39 Southworth International Southworth International Group Group A global manufacturer A global manufacturer 40 40 Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Business Business North Berwick Aero Systems North Berwick Aero Systems (NBAS) (NBAS) 42 42 VELUX Greenwood LLC VELUX Greenwood LLC A market leader in skylights A market leader in skylights S TA RT I N G O N S TA RT I N G O N H e a lt h C a r e