How MSI Supports Employee Health and Wellness
Manufacturing is hands-on work. The way a workstation is arranged, how often an operator changes tasks, and whether employees have access to preventive support can all affect how people feel during and after a shift. At Manufacturing Solutions Inc., employee health and wellness is built into the way we plan work, support our teams, and create opportunities to recharge together.
Our approach combines ergonomic review, scheduled task rotation, stretching, on-site wellness services, healthy food options, and activities that help employees connect outside their daily responsibilities.
Reducing Strain Through Better Work Design
Repetitive manufacturing tasks can involve frequent arm and hand movements, force, awkward posture, or long periods spent performing the same motion. To help identify and manage these factors, MSI has incorporated principles from the Assessment of Repetitive Tasks tool into our internal processes. Commonly called the ART tool, this framework helps evaluate repetitive upper-limb work by considering factors such as movement frequency, force, posture, breaks, work pace, and task duration.
At MSI, our Safety Officer and Physical Therapist review new workstations and processes and assign each station a safety classification. Stations are identified as low, medium, or high risk and categorized by the primary type of movement involved, such as wrist, grip, shoulder, finger, or pinch movements. That information is entered into Zeus, our scheduling system.
Department managers can then see which stations should not be scheduled back-to-back. If a schedule would place an employee at stations with similar physical demands in succession, Zeus generates a warning. Managers can also review reports, including a Station Repeats Report, to monitor scheduling patterns and make sure overrides are used appropriately.
Operators generally rotate to a different station every 60 to 90 minutes. Changing tasks helps vary movement patterns and limits the amount of time an employee spends repeating the same motion. MSI also continues to review work areas after they are in use so improvements can be made as processes and production needs change.
On Site Physical Therapy and Ergonomic Support
A physical therapist visits MSI once a week and is available to meet with employees. The therapist also walks through the facility and reviews workstations, body positioning, and movement patterns. These observations can help identify practical ergonomic changes that reduce unnecessary reaching, bending, gripping, or strain.
This regular presence gives employees a convenient way to ask questions and gives MSI another perspective when evaluating how work is performed. It also supports a process of making small, practical adjustments before discomfort becomes a larger concern.
Stretching and Movement Throughout the Day
Each department has designated stretch times and a list of stretches employees complete together during the day. These brief pauses encourage movement and give teams a consistent routine for preparing their bodies for physical work. Combined with frequent station rotation, stretching is one part of MSI’s broader effort to reduce prolonged and repetitive movement.
Monthly Wellness Appointments
Once a month, employees can sign up for wellness appointments during the workday and step away from their stations or offices to attend. Available services include:
- Acupuncture
- Chair massage
- Chiropractic care
- Nutrition consultations
- Reiki
Offering these services on site makes it easier for employees to explore different forms of wellness support without having to schedule a separate trip outside work. Participation is optional, allowing employees to choose the services that are useful to them.
Healthy Snacks at Work
MSI provides complimentary healthy snacks throughout the week. Options include fresh fruit, LARABARs, nut mixes, and other convenient snacks employees can enjoy during breaks. Keeping these choices available on site helps employees refuel during busy shifts.
Space to Move Recharge and Connect
Health and wellness also includes having ways to move, take a mental break, and spend time with coworkers. MSI’s common area includes pool tables and ping-pong that employees can use during breaks or after work. Employees also have access to a complete on-site gym fitted with equipment that MSI helps manufacture.
Company activities create more opportunities for employees from different departments to connect. The annual MSI barbecue and the annual horseshoe and cornhole tournament bring teams together outside the normal production schedule. MSI photography contests offer another way for employees to share their interests and creativity with coworkers.
A Practical Approach to Employee Wellness
No single program can address every aspect of employee well-being. At MSI, the goal is to support employees in several practical ways: design work with physical demands in mind, build movement and rotation into the day, provide convenient access to wellness resources, and make room for connection and fun.
These efforts are part of how we continue improving the employee experience while maintaining a safe and productive manufacturing environment.
