And the group in the middle are pushing just to keep where they are. One of the topics discussed at the conference was whether lean production actually saves money in the long run because of the increased risk of health problems that accompanies the increase in demands on workers. Lean production techniques in factories reduce autonomy, decrease job satisfaction and thereby increase stress on production lines. Speakers at the conference seemed to suggest, however, that lean production techniques by themselves aren't the culprit. It's how they are managed, and how much management support is available to workers under these changed conditions.
Worker control seems to make a big difference in reported stress levels.
Downsizing affects everyone, including those in health care. Nurses experience more injuries and health related problems when the number of nursing staff is reduced. Clearly organizations need to look at how they emotionally impact their staff. They watch carefully for excessive mechanical stress, and they need to open their eyes to human stress as well. Worker Stress Increasing Get involved with the Stress Management Corner.