Train and Retain: How to Effectively Onboard New Employees in High Noise Environments

With more job options available in the labor market today, workers can be more selective in deciding the work experience that’s the best fit in exchange for their time and commitment.

A smart onboarding program that showcases your organization’s support of your worker’s well-being and fueling their success is key, and it’s a safeguard to ensure less employee turnover at your job site or factory. Providing wireless communication headsets that reduce loud noises and distractions to safe, more comfortable levels is essential for a better overall training experience.

Here are three communication-related strategies that allow for better focus with less distractions to boost your employee onboarding program:

Encourage Interaction Over Isolation
Including wireless communication headsets combined with hearing protection to your list of standard equipment demonstrates a commitment to creating a safe and comfortable work environment. It re-humanizes the worker experience and makes a long day tolerable, not overwhelming. What’s more:
- We’re more likely to ask questions when it’s easy to ask. Participation gets a gold star.
- Instant feedback is a good thing – an equipment operator getting real-time guidance will have a quicker learning curve and make fewer mistakes.
- We tend to listen in and observe how others work. Being in tune with those around us keeps everyone focused on the same goal.
- When we have to strain to hear voices over the noise, it can feel like we’re being yelled at. No one likes that.
Evaluate Your Talent
This is a good thing: no one’s getting marked down here. Observation allows trainers to spot gaps in a workers’ skillset. It’s about tailoring the learning to the individual so everyone gets properly taught and is ready for responsibility. A single-page report on a clipboard is all that’s needed – check the box when you see the behavior you’re looking for, and follow up for the ones you don’t.
And it works both ways – workers are also evaluating your company and culture based on their initial experiences. Yes, your new-hires did show up on the first day. But let’s be realistic – they’ve likely considered other organizations before accepting this offer. Your onboarding process is a chance to demonstrate what a worker can likely expect in coming years.
Cover your communication gaps on the floor when your crews are in separate spaces, like in an office overlooking the factory floor, with the ability to tie-in external speakers or phones for easy monitoring. Keeping an open line lets you hear what’s said without having to go over and ask.
Communication is Key
If it’s your first year with the company or your 30th, clearly hearing and understanding others allows everyone to get more done in less time, and sometimes with fewer people.
Top-performing divisions using team communication headsets with hearing protection have shared other positive outcomes:
- Safety – Hands-Free devices let you maintain control and in touch with your spotter or trainer. The ability to instantly hear a warning can make all the difference in an emergency situation.
- Risk Mitigation – Communication can prevent costly damages. “Go” can sound like “Don’t Go” when you don’t hear the whole message.
- Quality – Being able to communicate early and often can enhance the overall quality and thoroughness of work being completed.
- Team Work – Morale goes up and stress goes down when crews have constant communication.

Leveraging a full roster gives your team a competitive advantage as you plan this season’s work schedule.

If you’re considering a communication system for your crew, learn how wireless team communication systems can help train your team to be efficient, effective, and less stressed on the job.