Contributing Writer
- FMA
- The Fabricator
- FABTECH
- Canadian Metalworking
Categories
- Additive Manufacturing
- Aluminum Welding
- Arc Welding
- Assembly and Joining
- Automation and Robotics
- Bending and Forming
- Consumables
- Cutting and Weld Prep
- Electric Vehicles
- En Español
- Finishing
- Hydroforming
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Welding
- Machining
- Manufacturing Software
- Materials Handling
- Metals/Materials
- Oxyfuel Cutting
- Plasma Cutting
- Power Tools
- Punching and Other Holemaking
- Roll Forming
- Safety
- Sawing
- Shearing
- Shop Management
- Testing and Measuring
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Waterjet Cutting
Industry Directory
Webcasts
Podcasts
FAB 40
Advertise
Subscribe
Account Login
Search
6 straightforward ways to motivate a welder
- By Marty Rice
- Updated December 8, 2023
- November 4, 2014
- Article
- Arc Welding
Many people have asked me how to motivate welders in the shop. The following are some ideas.
1. Money
If a shop doesn’t pay well, it won’t attract good welders. Health benefits and a 401(K) plan show that a company cares about its employees.
2. Safety
Shops must be safe to work in; every worker, including managers and support staff, should be certified in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) 10-hour general industry course. Also, weekly safety meetings are a must—but not boring drivel lectured to a sleepy group. Workers must get involved in the discussion.
3. Clean Shop Environment
Is it dark and dingy, dirty and unkempt, with stuff lying around? Lighting alone can help make employees feel better at work. A well-lighted, clean environment is more uplifting than a depressing, dirty work area.4. Continuing Education
If welder training isn’t offered at a nearby college, workers should get training elsewhere, whether it’s at a national training institute or from welding equipment-makers.
5. Owner Accessibility
I’ve worked for companies with owners that came through the shop weekly and talked to us—not just about work, but how we were and how our families were doing. At other companies, I never saw or met the owners. Which companies do you think I was more loyal to?
6. Expectations
If a shop pays well, offers good benefits, and has a good environment, its managers shouldn’t be afraid to let welders know that they expect satisfactory production. Welders who are happy with a company will do their own policing when it comes to workers being late or slacking off.
If welders know that the shop cares, they’ll want to stay for a long time.
About the Author
Marty Rice
High School Career Center in Texas
Questions for the author can be e-mailed to vickib@thefabricator.com
About the Publication
subscribe now
The Welder, formerly known as Practical Welding Today, is a showcase of the real people who make the products we use and work with every day. This magazine has served the welding community in North America well for more than 20 years.
start your free subscription- Stay connected from anywhere
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Welder.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Tube and Pipe Journal.
Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of The Fabricator en Español.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 05/14/2024
- Running Time:
- 62:12
Cameron Adams of Laser Precision, a contract metal fabricator in the Chicago area, joins the podcast to talk...
- Trending Articles
Building a successful welding program from the ground up
Welding power source’s modes designed to help optimize performance
Connecticut students compete in Maritime Welding Competition
Torch made for welding thin, conductive sheet metal
Welding jacket designed for protection, comfort
- Industry Events
Laser Welding Certificate Course
- May 7 - August 6, 2024
- Farmington Hills, IL
World-Class Roll Forming Workshop
- June 5 - 6, 2024
- Louisville, KY
Advanced Laser Application Workshop
- June 25 - 27, 2024
- Novi, MI
Precision Press Brake Certificate Course
- July 31 - August 1, 2024
- Elgin,