In discussions about efficiency and work environment, we often encounter the question: “Where does reasonable work rationalization end and pressure for performance begin?” Petra Marková, an assistant professor at the Institute of Industrial Engineering and Management at MTF STU, speaks clearly:
“Reasonable work rationalization optimizes processes to eliminate waste, unnecessary movements, and inefficient procedures. This is done while respecting the worker’s performance capacity. On the contrary, pressure for performance arises when a company does not respect human limits. It is guided only by numbers, KPIs, or norms without considering individual and ergonomic limits.”
According to Petra, companies often don’t see the boundary between efficiency and excessive pressure clearly. “Companies with shortcomings in this area usually lack sufficient knowledge or tools to estimate the boundary between rationalization and pressure for performance. Some don’t have a functional occupational health and safety and ergonomics department. Others don’t monitor analytical data on employee performance and satisfaction.”
Soft Skills and Hard Skills: how Technical Education Prepares People for Practice
According to Petra, technical preparation at universities is strong, especially in theory and calculations. The problem arises when students don’t have contact with the real work environment.
“Companies need not only technically skilled people. They also need those who understand team dynamics. Students must know how to communicate and resolve conflicts. Understanding the importance of a well-set work environment is also crucial. A technician should understand not only machines but also the people who operate them.”
At MTF STU, they develop soft skills in addition to technical skills. Multi-day internships directly in industrial companies are part of the study program.
Peter Szabó, an assistant professor and researcher at MTF STU, adds that systematic process improvement is still a challenge for Slovak companies:
“Slovak companies understand the need for improvement. In practice, however, short-term solutions often dominate. Systematic improvement is more of an exception than a standard. However, the trend is positive. Especially where management monitors processes long-term and acknowledges that improvement is an endless journey, not a one-time project.”
Lean and Time Management: not just about Efficiency, but also about Comfort
LEAN methods are the foundation of efficiency. However, their implementation can be challenging. Peter warns:
“The most difficult principles to implement are Kaizen – continuous improvement, MUDA – waste elimination, and GEMBA – managers spending more time in offices than in the field. These principles go against comfort and established habits.”
Time management can be effective individually and for teams. “The team must jointly monitor time losses. This includes, for example, waiting for information, poor assignments, or meaningless meetings. Time management doesn’t mean 100% utilization. The goal is to ensure a smooth flow of work through the system.”
People and Technology – an Inseparable Pair
When investing in production, we often think only about technology. Peter emphasizes the importance of people and processes: “Technology without prepared people and mature processes remains only potential. People represent the ‘software’ that can operate the technology. They can also develop and adapt it according to production needs.”
Where Do We See Gaps?
Collaboration with companies and students reveals areas where Slovakia needs to improve preparing people for practice. “The gaps are mainly in connecting theory with practice. Furthermore, it’s about low independence and decision-making of students. Soft skills are also underestimated,” explains Peter.
At MTF STU, the situation looks very positive. Programs are adapted to practice. Students have laboratory simulations and internships in companies. The university is expanding cooperation with industrial enterprises.
Work rationalization, systematic process improvement, and balanced development of technical and soft skills crucially influence the success of companies and the readiness of graduates today.
Experts from MTF STU show that combining theory, practice, and respect for the human factor is both desirable and achievable. Schools and companies must cooperate and learn from each other. Petra Marková and Peter Szabó will also present the future of work, AI, and new skills at INOFEST.
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: MTF STU
