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Writer's pictureMarilyn Rosa

5 Proven Strategies to Enhance Mental Health and Boost Employee Retention and Productivity in Manufacturing

Marilyn Rosa-Green, MSHR, M.Ed.

Executive Leadership Coach | HR Manufacturing Strategist | Mental Health & Well-being advocate | Founder of Manufacturing Success Accelerator Method



Enhancing mental health in the workplace is a broad and complex subject. To make it more actionable, let's focus on two key concepts manufacturing leaders can integrate into their strategies.


Developing a strong sense of self and fostering a sense of belonging for employees.


By understanding and implementing these concepts, leaders can create measurable improvements in employee well-being and organizational outcomes.

A strong sense of self involves being self-aware of one's strengths, values, and purpose.


A strong sense of belonging means feeling accepted, valued, and included by one’s team and community.

Research published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel a strong sense of belonging are 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their fullest potential.


Another study by BetterUp found that a strong sense of belonging can lead to a 56% increase in job performance and a 75% reduction in sick days. Same study also found that employees with a high sense of belonging are 50% less likely to leave the company, indicating significantly higher retention rates.


Focusing on creating a strong sense of self and belonging in organizational development strategy plans will help manufacturers combat the high turnover rate, which averages 40%. This approach also supports the workforce in feeling accepted and valued, addressing the national loneliness epidemic and providing support to a workforce’s mental health from crises such as, the US drug overdose and death epidemic, economic uncertainties, president elections, global conflicts, etc.


To achieve this, manufacturing leaders must prioritize initiatives that foster inclusive workplace cultures and promote personal growth among employees. This includes implementing comprehensive onboarding programs that integrate new hires seamlessly, establishing mentorship and coaching systems to support ongoing development. Additionally, regular team-building activities, skills and career development programs to help build strong interpersonal relationships and a sense of community within the workforce. By investing in these strategies, manufacturers can not only reduce turnover rates but also enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity, ultimately leading to a more resilient and thriving organization.


Here are 5 actionable tips for manufacturing leaders to cultivate a strong sense of self and belonging within their teams to reduce turnover rates and enhance employee engagement and productivity:


  1. Encourage Open Communication:

Active Listening training with live coaching included for front-line leaders to practice with real life scenarios and apply new skills with peers before implementing these new techniques with their team. A job title of supervisor or manager does not make them an active listener. They need training on how to respond empathetically to employees' feedback.


2. Provide Opportunities for Development:


Continuous Learning: Offer training programs, workshops, and courses that allow employees to acquire new skills and advance their careers.


Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced employees with less experienced ones to facilitate knowledge transfer and provide support.


3. Empowerment through Autonomy:

Delegate Responsibility by giving employees more control over their work encouraging them to make decisions within their roles.

Encourage Innovation where employees feel safe to experiment and propose new ideas without fear of failure or retribution.


4. Create a Supportive Environment:

Well-being Programs that support physical and mental well-being, such as health screenings, fitness initiatives, and access AND BENEFITS for COUNSELING SERVICES.


5. Build Strong Team Relationships:

Team-building Activities that help employees build trust and camaraderie, such as team outings, workshops, and collaborative projects.


Cross-functional Collaboration across different departments to break down silos and foster a sense of unity.


When leaders prioritize the development of a strong sense of self and belonging within their teams, manufacturing leaders can effectively address high turnover rates and enhance overall employee well-being. Implementing strategies such as open communication, continuous learning, supportive environments, and strong team relationships not only fosters a positive workplace culture but also improves performance, engagement, and retention. In the face of global mental health challenges, these efforts are essential for creating a resilient and thriving organization.


Author's bio:

Marilyn Rosa-Green is an insightful Executive Coach & Strategist specializing in food and beverage manufacturing expansion planning. Marilyn combines her deep expertise in HR and Clinical Mental Health Counseling to foster positive organizational changes. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Human Resource Management, and a M.Ed in Clinical

Mental Health Counseling.


Her proprietary Manufacturing Success Accelerator program has transformed team dynamics by addressing challenges like lack of accountability, unhealthy culture, high turnover and communication breakdowns. This innovative 4-key system not only optimizes front-line leadership and talent acquisition but also enhances training and career development initiatives. Marilyn's holistic approach has empowered organizations to shift towards cultures of people centric and transformational leadership to achieve high engagement and sustainable growth.


For more content, follow Marilyn Rosa-Green, MSHR, M.Ed.

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