3M Boosts Morale With AcroMat Anti-Fatigue Mats

Solution

Key Results:

• Improved morale for operators with more durable and comfortable mats
• Improved morale for supervisors as their operators feel invested in
• Reduced YOY spend with mats that perform better and last longer
• Improved consistency; no "big mix" of vendors, styles, materials
• Increased productivity due to consistent traction and walking surfaces
  

Beginning With a Free Trial

AcroMat provided 3M with a free, large, custom anti-fatigue mat for a dedicated work area to put to the test. According to Aaron, they invited a number of team members and departments over to review the mat and see if it fit their needs.

"Many different departments came to review the new custom mat," says Aaron. "They saw how easy it was to install, the consistency, the quality, and also how well it felt to stand on the mat. From there, many different areas started requesting AcroMat."

Moving Forward With Certainty

After gathering feedback from supervisors and operators, and being sure AcroMat mats would perform long-term in their environment, Aaron took on the responsibility of integrating AcroMat throughout the campus. As he explains, the morale gains were wide-reaching.

"I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, mainly from the operators saying how they appreciate our personnel taking the time to provide quality mats for them to stand on," says Aaron. "Because at the end of the day, our operators are our technicians. They are on their feet doing most of the work that allows us to provide a quality product to our customers. So, if we can make sure our people feel appreciated, you know, just for doing their day-to-day job, that goes a long way towards boosting the morale."

According to Aaron, 3M has invested in standard sizes for more simple layouts and some highly unique custom shapes to fit their complex layouts. Instead of taping mats together like in the past, the one-piece custom mats fit each workspace like a glove, provide a consistent surface, and eliminate hazards like gaps, overlapping borders, and fraying tape.

No Curling, Comfort, and a 10-Star Review

Jennifer Hamelau, Senior Supervisor with 3M in New Ulm, expands on Aaron's experience and shares her thoughts on the performance of their AcroMat anti-fatigue mats.

"There are 90 employees in my department, and I have not heard one bad comment about AcroMat," says Jennifer. "They lay nice and flat without curling, they feel good, and employees can even drive carts across them. If I could give 10 stars, I would."

As the Fortune 500 continues to provide critical products for companies and users across the globe, they now have peace of mind the people making their products are safe and comfortable at the ground floor.

AcroMat partners with a number of 3M plants throughout the U.S. – including Cynthia, KY; Brownwood, TX; Aberdeen, SD; Decatur, AL; Solventum, MO; Detroit, MI; and Alexandria, Red Wing, and Hutchinson, MN

Related: Nokian Tyres Finds Peace of Mind With AcroMat [Video]