Attendance at the city-funded "Work Art" project at the South plant has been light. As we discussed last week, city involvement at the plant is an important and visible example of business and government cooperation that should receive strong support. My informal analysis suggests that poor scheduling is the primary reason for low attendance, and I have developed a strategy to solve that problem.
Low Attendance Follows Poor Scheduling. Poor scheduling has adversely influenced the possibility of getting a good turnout. For example, "art-break" activities have been planned for the cafeteria during the noon hour. Because the previous plant manager declared the cafeteria off-limits to production line workers during lunchtime, these workers are still reluctant to attend events there, even though the new manager has rescinded that rule. In addition, several events have been scheduled during the 10-minute morning breaks. Workers stationed at any distance from the sites of these events cannot possibly get to them.
New Scheduling Strategy Will Improve Chances of Success. Scheduling changes can directly improve worker participation. Future events should be located in "neutral" areas, preferably outside the plant. Programs should be scheduled during shift changes rather than during working hours, and all programs should be scheduled during daylight hours to allay fears of workers who do not live in the area.
Next Steps. I suggest we meet next week to discuss how to implement this strategy and to consider other informal ways to encourage attendance at art events.
