Situation: Midwest Express Group wanted a Lean transformation linked with employee development. Their ultimate goal was to foster the development of a learning organization. Their task was to develop systems and processes that created a culture of continuous improvement, while ensuring employees developed skills for advancement. The major challenge was creating a training program where none existed. To support this employee development, MEG had to identify the competencies required for every level within the company.

Project: To accomplish their goal, MEG partnered with TechSolve and Columbus State Community College to align learning and development with the company’s vision. Together, they created MEG’s vision of an ideal organization. Then, they examined the gap between MEG’s current situation and their ideal state. To do this, TechSolve facilitated a value stream analysis of the company’s learning and development department. They also helped identified the internal and external resources available for MEG’s success, and helped align these resources with their needs.

MEG created an internal program called the College of Revolutionary Experiences, or CORE. Its goal is to reduce attrition through a combination of Lean training/learning with hands-on application to increase skill development and support ongoing continuous improvement. After partnering with TechSolve and Columbus State Community College, the number of participants in MEG’s learning and development programs increased significantly. They also implemented a new hire process and learning center, as well as developing working simulations of key processes to standardize new hire and cross-training processes.

Results:

  • Reduced workforce interventions requiring HR by 33%, resulting in reallocation of HR resources.
  • Decreased temporary/contact employee turnover by 44% since 2008.
  • Introduced 241 associates to continuous improvement (Lean) practices training.
  • Established a standard and simplified reporting structure for all warehouse operations.
  • Reduced the probability of temporary/contract associate injury in the first 90 days by 50% since 2008.

TESTIMONIAL: “Our relationship with TechSolve, now in its third year, is a dynamic aspect of our associate and organizational development maturation. TechSolve has provided training and guidance on projects and the Tech Solve team could not have been more congenial, professional or helpful during our work together. TechSolve worked diligently to know, understand and align with MEG’s vision, goals and objectives for introducing the activities we requested. More so, they acted as an agent of our organization to promote and guide us as we went along. That strength has allowed us to venture in new directions and to meet other companies, looking for the same types of programs, to network, benchmark and all in the spirit of continuous improvement.”

– Steve Youll, SPHR, HCS, Senior Staff Administrator, Human Resources