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.
2026 Vermont Governor’s Award
We were recently recognized with a Gold 2026 Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in Worksite Wellness. The award honors Vermont employers for their efforts to promote workplace wellness and safety and support employee well-being.
Our approach combines ergonomic reviews, scheduled task rotation, stretching, on-site wellness services, healthy food options, and activities that help employees connect outside their daily responsibilities.
How MSI Supports Employee Health and Wellness
Reducing Strain Through Better Work Design
Repetitive manufacturing work can place strain on the arms, hands, and upper body. MSI uses principles from the Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool to evaluate new workstations and processes based on movement, force, posture, pace, and duration.
Each station receives a safety classification that is entered into our scheduling system. This alerts managers when employees are scheduled at stations with similar physical demands back-to-back. Operators generally rotate stations every 60 to 90 minutes, helping vary movement patterns and reduce prolonged repetition.
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, LÄRABARs, 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.
