No business big or small can survive without people. Our loyal customers enable us to stay open and our wonderful employees create products that work perfectly for families. We work with suppliers to use only high-quality materials and non-toxic processes to make nursery furniture. In other words, people make it possible.
At Natart, we fully commit to our employees and their well-being. Our employees are not mere resources or simply a means to make higher profits. We strive to maintain a positive work environment where people feel valued and that they are an integral part of the organization.
Diversity and inclusion
Natart has always valued diversity and inclusion, welcoming different perspectives from all our staff. A diverse workforce can think creatively and implement measures to improve processes. We make new employees feel welcome in the company and that they fully understand our mission. Every employee is included in the current and future plans of the company.
Many business managers talk about expansion and growth. For the most part, these plans are created by management, and workers are simply expected to follow their lead. Natart works very differently from that model. We ensure that our staff can contribute to decision-making and feel valued for their contributions.
At Natart, we do not tolerate any form of discrimination or hate speech against each other. We expect staff to treat others with dignity, honesty, and respect. It’s not just our colleagues in the factory or office. Our staff treats other people including customers, vendors, suppliers, and trucking company workers the same way.
Healthy work environment
Whether a person works in an office or the factory floor, the fact is that they are surrounded by cold walls and drab equipment. However, we know that a healthy work environment is necessary for employees to feel happy and productive. We’ve implemented several measures to promote positivity in the workplace such as:
– Bringing nature indoors
We have added hundreds of plants to the factory for several reasons. Plants improve air quality by removing impurities and adding more oxygen. Plants eliminate odors without the need for air fresheners or artificial aids. Greenery provides a secondary focal point for staff that has to look at screens all day. Looking at plants relaxes people and helps relieve stress. Watering plants also improve the humidity in the air, a boon for the cold and dry climate.
Bringing green plants indoors helps elevate spirits especially when it’s raining, snowing, or otherwise grey outside.
– Climate control
The factory floor is not an easy place to work but we can always make it more pleasant for ur employees. That’s why we have added HVAC and climate control to our factory, so workers don’t feel tired or uncomfortable during the day. This step, in addition to putting potted plants in the factory, ensures the welfare of staff who have to work in the factory all day.
– ZERO injuries/accidents
In any production zone, there is always a risk of injury, especially when handling sharp tools or heavy equipment. We designed ergonomic workstations to prevent repetitive stress injuries and other sprains. It improves manufacturing efficiency and maximizes performance without compromising the health of our workers.
– Chiropractic services
Chiropractic care can help alleviate headaches and spinal pain through joint manipulation and manual therapy. We provide staff with monthly vouchers so they do not have to worry about the cost when seeking professional services.
Long term measures
Another way to keep employees comfortable is to provide appropriate work gear, not limited to clothes. We make sure all our employees have the correct work gear to do their jobs. From using steel-toed shoes instead of hot boots in the summer to moisture-wicking headbands, we make sure our staff is outfitted as necessary.
Automated machines and robots are making their presence felt in many industries, not least on the factory floor. While the general perspective is that these machines put workers out of jobs, we use robotics to perform unskilled labor wherever possible.
This offers multiple benefits. It gives us time to train employees and provide them with the appropriate skills. It not only ensures that our workers continue learning but also helps their career and long-term prospects within the company. Additionally, it frees workers from menial/unskilled tasks allowing them to focus on upskilling and getting promoted.
Natart is a local, family-owned business and we are proud to say that we support our communities. We invest in the health, well-being, and long-term future of our employees. Cutting costs and improving efficiency at the expense of worker health may increase profits but it’s not sustainable forever. Our approach allows us to build a successful business while prioritizing employee well-being and long-term growth.
