Q My company is getting demands for
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bonus payments from the workshop staff, and I fear that unless we can put forward some really productive and comprehensive scheme we shall simply end up by paying everyone more, but with no real increase in output. We operate a large number of goods vehicles, both rigid and articulated, and have our own extensive workshop which undertakes virtually every type of repair and overhaul. It is simple enough to evaluate the routine servicing work, and also the pre-MoT test preparation work but the real problem is to set a productivity yardstick for extensive docking unscheduled repairs and the rebuilding of crashed vehicles.
Can you suggest a bonus scheme or readymade productivity system to suit our circumstances?
A In Management Matters in CM over the
' past years, several features have dealt with problems of this general type, but it is not really advisable to try to apply any general scheme to particular circumstances. The really successful productivity schemes are those tailored to suit a particular organization, and this means that considerable work measure ment must first be undertaken with the full prior confidence of the staff and with the knowledge and approval of any trade union which may have members involved. The real answer is to bring in a consultant, where the company has no expert staff of its own in this field. A good starting point might be to contact the local area office of the Department of Employment and Productivity, since the local officers of DEP are very helpful in giving advice on productivity schemes.
We would also be happy to hear from readers who have overcome similar problems, and who would be prepared to have these successful schemes made public or passed on to this inquirer.