Social engineering; a record of things done by American industrialists employing upwards of one and one-half million of people

Front matter

THE LIBRARY

OF THE

NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL

Preface

In my studies of social and industrial problems during the last fifteen years, I was impressed with the extent and the variety of efforts that were being made to promote better relations between capital and labor. At first there was no name for thi|Jiiir*-of^dfE 'In tSQS, for lack of a better term, I called ilf industrial better men -fef^ phrase which passed quickly into current use and literature. At that time industrial betterment was scarcely comprehended, but to-day the changes are being rung on betterment — industrial, social, civic and religious. Several years later, the National Civic Federation organized a department of betterment, and called it " welfare work."

Industrial bettermenFTs more comprehensive,"lTOtstouch as it concerns the eflSciency promotion of the worker as well as the plant, in other words, t his betterment of the labor element is a cold business proposition and is undertaken commonly to ge t the best results out nf labo r. Welfare work concerns the improvement of the pgcsonat-cojaditifljis of the laborer; this is often offensive to him and is resented by him, savoring as it does of paternalism and charity.

Eecognizing the inadequacy of both terms, industrial betterment and welfare work, to express the relations of interdependence between capital and labor and the sympathy which should exist between these two elements in the successful promotion of a business, I am convinced that the ideal relationship is best expressed by the term mutuality.

During the last decade mutuality has made steady progress and is manifesting itself in a great variety of efforts; because of this the relations between capital and labor have become more sympathetic. The awakened interest in this subject shows that the time has come for treating these problems of life and labor scientifically; museums of safety, social insurance, pensions, cooperation, profit-sharing, housing, recreation and aflSliated questions are receiving the earnest consideration of iv PREFACE

some of the ablest men and are therefore the live questions of the day. There is an increasing number of industrialists who are desirous of promoting mutuality in their business. " Social Engineering " will serve as a handbook of suggestion and guidance for the practical application of the experience of others. Acknowledgment is hereby made of aid received from the Carnegie Institution of Washington, through its Department of Economics and Sociology, in the preparation of this book.

INTRODUCTORY

Having read the following pages with deep interest, I have no hesitation in recommending them to all interested in the welfare of their fellows, especially of the workers. The hearts of those will be touched who have the welfare of their fellows at heart, and the heads of those will be convinced who wish the condition of the laboring people improved; I believe that they can be and are being so, rapidly and generally, at least thruout the bounds of the Eepublic.

It is cheering to know that our country is in the van, altho some European countries are moving in the same direction.

It is by the efforts of individual firms that the right solution of the problem will be furnished, and not thru Socialism, which can only talk speculatively, while individuals can work practically, curing evils that Socialists point out. This is the right division between the Individualist and the Socialist. There is quite a large domain in which the latter can point out defects and shortcomings. Let us thank them for this, and let us not forget that it is our duty to labor for the cure of defects.

I write this at Christmas and the book has come to me as a most appropriate gift for the season. I take pleasure in commending it to all those who would do their part in life to make the world a little better than they found it.

Kew York, Ohristmaa Day, 1968.

Contents

PAGE

Chapter I. — Efficiency Peomotion 1

Best Sanitary Appliances. — Opportunity for Specialized Education. — Personal Contact with New Workers. — Schools for Beginners. — Educational Trips. — Factory Notices. — Rule Books. — Suggestion Systems. — Premiums and Cash Prizes. — Stock Distribution. — Morning and Afternoon Recess Period. — Factory Councils or Industrial Cabinets. — Publications by Employes. — Sobriety Promotion. — Club Houses. — Night Schools.

Chaptbh II. — The Social Sbceetaky 48

A New Profession.

Chapter III. — Hygiene 60

Light: Maximum Window Space. — -Air: Ventilation Systems, Cooling Systems. — Pure Water: Systems of Filtration. — Cleanliness: Laundry. — Spray Baths. — Lavatories. — Eest Rooms. — Dinin g Rooms: Pure Food Stuffs. — Special Clinic Rooms. — Emergen cy Eo_oins : Eye Injuries, First Aid. — Visiting Physicians. — Visiting Nurses. — Hospitals. — Hospital Cars.

Chapter IX. — Education 257

In the Factory Traveling- and Other Libraries.— Eailway Beading- Rooms. — Newspaper Libraries. — Eeading Eooms. — Educational Classes. — Women's Clubs.

After Hours Schools: Domestic Economy, Technical. — Educational Centers. — Socio-Educational Associations. — Classes in Salesmanship. — Lectures. — Choral and Musical Societies. — Libraries.

Chapter X. — Eecreation 298

Clubs as Social Centers. — ^Eesident Club Houses. — Athletic Associations: Gymnasia, Athletic Grounds, Children's Playgrounds. — Smokers' Conferences. — Dramatics. — Club Houses: Open Air Theaters. — Eooms for Games. — ^Annual Field Days. — Picnics and Annual Outings. — Parks. — Croquet, Tennis and Ball Grounds. — Holiday Camps. — Eoof Gardens.

Chapter XI. — Communal or Social Betterment . . . .325 Village Memorials as Communal Centers. — Park Effects about the Factory Premises. — Industrial Commonwealths. — Improvement Associations. — Eecreation Centers. — ^Athletic Grounds. — Play Opportunities. — Get-Together Clubs.

Chapter I Efficiency Promotion

The essential characteristic of the industrial conditions of to-day is the substitution of mechanical for muscular power, whether the source of energy for the machine be supplied by water, steam, electricity or air. Accordingly, inventive genius has lavished its powers on the perfection of the inanimate machine, the inert mass of iron or steel, awaiting only the application of the energizing force of nature to make it perform the complicated wishes of the inventor.

In recent years it has been slowly dawning upon the mind of the employer that his human machine — his hands as he sometimes calls them — needs attention, needs rest, needs the best environment for the production of the best results.

Some employers have improved the conditions under which their men work, because they felt that they owed their operatives something more than wages; they felt that their employes had done the labor share in the production of wealth, and that recognition of some kind was due them for that. Others again improved the condition of their operatives because it paid in actual dollars and cents, and another class has been influenced by genuine altruism.

Whatever may be the motives of the employer, whether he be influenced by the most sordid selflshness or the noblest altruism, the writer claims that the employ^ has been the gainer by any improvement in his industrial environment. Especially is this so where the wage earner has had the economic foresight to seize these advantages to perfect himself, whereby he makes himself of greater commercial worth to his employer. His wage earning capacity has been increased, and the tendency is towards a recognition of this fact in advancement or a feeling of security in his present position. The individual who improves his own condition cannot fail to be of greater worth to the industry, to his own home and to the community, facts which are positive assets in industrial, social and civic stability. Industrial betterment gives the individual this opportunity.

In modern business there is little room for sentiment; the ordinary employer demands a cash equivalent for each dollar paid out. The situation is reflected by the commercial proverb, " Business is business." But here and there employers are beginning to realize that investment in manhood pays; that improved men for improved machines have economic value, because a more vigorous man can do more work, a more intelligent man will do more intelligent work, and a more conscientious man will do more conscientious work.

" I want machines so simple in their operation that any fool can run them," remarked an employer the other day. The fool machines may be run by the fool workman, but the employer will have the monopoly of the folly of such an industrial policy. Improved machines demand improved men to run them.

" What more than wages ? " is an industrial question that is being asked by men, some of whom feel that the labor share of their wealth production should have a larger reward than the mere payment of wages; other employers are sufficiently far-sighted to recognize that whatever makes the worker more human, more contented, more skilled, Is a positive industrial asset in the business and is a large factor in industrial stability.

There are factories where the men as well as the machines must be " hand picked." For example, in the Weston Electrical Instrument Company ^ galvanometer measurements can be shown where the deflections are obtained with a current of five-billionths of an ampere. A current of the strength of half an ampere suffices to illuminate the standard sixteencandle-power incandescent lamp. This work demands the finest technique, the clearest heads and directing intelligence.

Every employer wants the best workmen he can get ; by best

' Weston Electrical Instrument Co., Newark, N. J. Manufacturing Electrical Measuring- Instruments. Organized 1888. Number Employes, 368.

he means those that will earn the wages he pays, and so perfect themselves that he must advance them. " I go over my pay roll every Saturday night," said a manufacturer, "to see whose salary I can raise. My men are no more anxious for advancement than I am to promote them."

Mutuality should be the guiding principle in business, which can be conducted on this plane; mutuality means sympathy. In a New England department store the work began at 8:30 A.M. and closed at 5:30 p.m. It was the custom of other firms to begin at nine and close at six, the half hour before nine o'clock bringing very little trade and the half hour before six a fairly steady flow. This firm believed in mutuality, and showed their sympathy in a great variety of ways, thinking that the more closely they could manage their business on democratic lines, the greater would be their success. A meeting of the employes was called, and the question of changing the hours was left to their decision. Bear in mind that the half hour before six was very highly valued by the women and girls, as it gave them opportunity for comfortably preparing for home before the rush on trains and cars, and evening entertainments. Although they realized what closing at six would mean to them, several said at the meeting that they did not want their firm to lose the half hour's business, which otherwise would go to the rival stores. When the vote was taken it was found that a decided majority were in favor of closing at six. Mutuality is a commercial asset; it makes for industrial peace.

Employers are admitting that they ought to improve the conditions of the employed, but they are fearful lest in so doing they may make a mistake, they may not do the right thing, their efforts will be looked on with suspicion, they will not^ be appreciated. This recognition on the part of the employer that he owes his staff something more than wages, has created a new professional calling, that of the Social Engineer, who can tell the, employer how he may establish a desired point of contact between himself, his immediate staff, and the rank and file of his industrial army.

There is a direct relation between capital, labor and management, the three essential elements necessary to eve^y enter-

4 SOCIAL ENGINEEBINO

prise. Consider how useless is capital without management, which directs its resources, and in turn how both capital and management are dependent on the willing hands of labor to execute their will. For example, capital should conscientiously.; do all in its power to improve the condition of the workersJ On the other hand, labor should not view with cold suspicion] the overtures of capital, but should meet them in a friendlyl spirit, with a mind open and ready to cooperate. Many employers have told me that their efforts for industrial betterment have been met with surly looks, suspicion and indifference.

It is not fair to expect the employer to do all. America stands before the world as the land of opportunity and fair play. The capitalist should not be regarded as a thief and a robber, but labor should recognize the sincerity of his motives, and give him a chance to prove his sincerity by working with and not against him.

Not from the churches, not from the universities and colleges, not from the common schools, but from the hands of the great captains of industry who are recognizing and providing for an all-round development, the character of the plain people is being moulded and shaped along lines of civic and social usefulness. Never before in the history of the world has the employer had such colossal opportunities for guiding and uplifting the thousands of men and women, who spend at least a third of each working day in his employ. If employers realized that they hold within their grasp the possibilities of industrial contentment, social stability and communal welfare, they would plan and scheme how to improve the conditions of their employes with the same zeal as they now devote to promoting the efBciency of their business, extending its operations and reaching out for the acquisition of new commercial territory.

This volume on industrial betterment will be a study of what employers are doing to improve the conditions of their operatives, and the opportunities they are offering, whether in the industry in question or in their homes or in the community.

I shall approach the subject with the central thought that the factory, mill or workshop is the industrial home of the employ^, where he must spend at least one-third of each working day. Money is spent lavishly, if need be, on the improvement and perfection of inanimate machinery, and its housing, and employers are beginning to realize that it will pay them to improve and perfect their animate machines, so that they are affording opportunities to the individual to become an improved man for the improved machine.

Setting aside any consideration of altruism or philanthropy, it is good business to provide the best light, pure air and water, the essentials of health for factory and workshop. That there is a response is evident when the increased production is shown at the end of the month. Attention to hygiene and sanitation is a large element in efficiency.

Within the year the Cleveland Hardware Company ^ has built a new factory building, and from its past experience decided it would pay to put into this building the very finest sanitary arrangements it could find. This plan was followed out to the very best of its ability and experience.

It employs a large number of girls in its factory, and has fitted up an ample and well-lighted dressing room for their convenience, giving each girl an expanded metal locker. A woman is in charge of this room, who has under her care a well-stocked medicine chest, so that she can take care of the girls' wants. There is a department in connection with this room which is furnished with tables and chairs for a lunch room.

This is not done on an elaborate scale, but perhaps is elaborate, considering the people dealt with, as the majority of these girls are Polish, and are probably as rough and coarse as any working class. Since they have had good washing facilities, however, the fact has been noticeable that they appreciate and take advantage of these opportunities.

Each floor of the factory has been fitted up with arrangements of this kind for the use of the men, all of whom have been given private lockers. In this building all closets are ventilated by the exhaust fan system, which has made sanitary conditions practically perfect.

Sanitary drinking fountains were also put into this building,

' The Cleveland Hardware Co., Cleveland, Ohio. Vehicle Hardware. Organized 1881. Number Employes, 1200.

and after trial were considered so satisfactory that they were established throughout the entire factory.

Too often an industrialist thinks that any old thing will do for a water closet, inconvenient in its location and uncared for. Under such conditions it is no wonder that the men are careless and dirty. This is more the rule than the exception. Invariably in questioning why such conditions exist the answer is, " It doesn't pay to make better accommodations because the men abuse them." That this is not always the case finds illustration at the works of the Weston Electrical Instrument Company, where the water closets are ample in number, and so distributed as to be convenient of access from any part of the works; connected with each group is a lavatory. When the works were planned, some of the directors doubted the wisdom of so expensive a system ; they feared the motive might not be appreciated or the property respected, and cited the fact that the water closets in the old works had met the customary fate. The president replied that in the old establishment there had been nothing to appeal to the personal self-respect of the men, or their respect for the property, and that he believed the proposed new departure would be received with favor by the employes ; " Anyway," said he, " I am going to investigate this question myself," and he did. He went into all sections of New York City, from Carnegie Hall to the slums ; and his report was that wherever he found superior water closets he found them respected. Consequently the company proceeded along the lines recommended, and the result is entirely satisfactory to every one concerned.

Although the subject of dining or lunch rooms for the workers is treated at length in the chapter on Hygiene, yet the provision of well-cooked, wholesome, appetizing food has a direct bearing on eflQciency. The ill-effects of indigestion are well known by the educated and wealthy who can choose their food and the time for eating it; indigestion due to luncheons eaten cold at work benches or bolted at home during the short noon hour is an item which cannot be figured on cost tickets, but it exists nevertheless in every American factory. " I consider that the cost of maintaining our dining hall is more than made up by the increased eflQciency of the men and women lunching there," is the testimony of the employer of some 3,500 people.

It may be that an employ^ leaves home without breakfast, or with scanty preparation for the day, or is unable to do justice to lunch. Instead of growing faint with hunger because of accident or the whims of an appetite, a bite to eat may be had even during working hours. At such a time the employes of the Acme White Lead and Color Works ^ have the privilege of a restaurant, which furnishes good coffee and tea with milk and sugar, at one cent a cup ; soup is three cents a plate ; hot meat and potatoes eight cents a portion, and desserts three cents.

As a stimulus to daily promptness and regularity in attendance, the Curtis Publishing Company " in making up the vacation list gives preference to those clerks who have the best record for attendance and punctuality. Each absence counts two points, and each lateness of less than one hour, one point, against the record of any clerk. The employes having the least number of points against them have first choice in the selection of vacation time. Points against employes of less than a year's engagement will be computed in proportion to their length of service. Employes who have been connected with the company for at least six months are entitled to a vacation at a convenient time, between June first and September first in each year, on the basis of one week-day for each month's service within the year; but no vacation in any case exceeds two weeks, unless at the expense of such employ^ and with the approval of the proper bureau manager or officer.

James R. Keiser * gives one week's vacation to all the time employes of one year's standing. In addition, he adds one day for each additional year of service till the vacation period

' Acme White Lead and Color Works, Detroit, Mich. Manufacturers Paints, Enamels, Stains, Varnishes. Organized 1884. Number Employes, about 500.

*The Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Magazine Publishers. Organized July 1, 1891. Number Employes, 1000.

*J. E. Keiser, Inc., New York City. Manufacturers Neckwear and Women's Belts. Organized January, 1892. , Number Employes, 400.

8 SOCIAL ENOINEEBINa

reaches two weeks for those of six years' service. The fines for tardiness go to the fund for needy employes.

The C. Howard Hunt Pen Company ^ allows each operative who is regular in attendance every day of any calendar month one .day's vacation with pay, so that operatives who have been fortunate enough to have worked every working day in the year, have two weeks' vacation with full pay for the time. The hours of labor have been reduced from ten to eight per day, and certain machinery formerly in use that caused considerable injury to operatives, has been replaced by modern types, which cause no further trouble of that kind.

A description of libraries would naturally come under the head of Education, but one industrialist has so widened the scope of the conventionalized library that it is a large factor in the increased efficiency of his plant.

" Whatever will help my employes to earn more money, will please me, becaus^ I well know that they are then in a position to be advanced to the next higher position," said an industrialist to me. This principle finds local application in a large factory, where through the widened use of the library it is possible to trace an almost direct line from the library to the suggestion box.

The men and women of this factory are coming to realize more and more that in the books in the cases on the first floor of Building No. 1, and on the shelves of the traveling libraries, lie the means to gain an education which may be denied them through adverse circumstances, or to ripen and extend the knowledge they already may possess. The means are right at hand, easy of access every working day in the year.

Means have been adopted whereby this information may be most conveniently distributed. For instance, should a skilled mechanic encounter a problem upon which he is not fully informed, and has not the time to look up the information, if he will notify the librariarj, the information will be located and the proper book sent at the hour one of the traveling libraries visits his particular building.

» C. Howard Hunt Pen Co., Camden, K. J. Manufacturers Eoundpointed Pens. Organized 1901. Number Employes, 175.

While it is desirable for the workmen to live near their business, there are many thousands for whom this is impossible. If an arrangement can be made for them to go and come from their work at the desired time, it is good administration for an employer to coijeern himself with this problem. At the present time the problem of transportation is a much-vexed question. The over-population of the industrial centres is forcing the workmen to seek homes in the suburbs.

One company whose factory is located about ten miles from Boston, induced the railroad to run a special train, stopping at all way-stations and bringing the employes directly into the yard. In consideration of a half fare, the company guaranteed the road |35 a day ; but there has been no accounting with the railway company since the first month. It is estimated that the train is easily earning |50 to |60 a day, and carries between 500 and 600 of the employes. Other large industries arrange with the local trolley companies to send enough cars within their grounds so as to accommodate every one immediately on dismissal. In one instance, where it is impossible to come into the yard, the women are dismissed ten minutes earlier than the men, so that they may be sure to have seats.

The Illinois Central Railroad Company has an arrangement for operating special service from Du Quoin to the Davis, Forrester and Majestic Mines,^ which are distant from Du Quoin two, two and one-half and four miles, respectively. Round trip service is operated daily except Sunday. Tickets are sold twice each month, containing 28 rides at $1.25 each, which makes the round-trip rate nine cents per day.

The Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company furnishes the Emerson Manufacturing Company a train morning and evening, for which the firm guarantees a certain amount to them. They furnish tickets to the employes at the rate of 54 rides for |1.50, or 26 rides for 75 cents. The distance is about a mile and a half. The service has been very satisfactory indeed. The cars are kept clean, and are heated and lighted in winter time.

' Majestic Coal and Coke Co., Du Quoin, 111. Engaged in Coal Mining. Organized 1904. Number Employes, 350.

At an Ohio factory the women leave ten minutes before the men, and come an hour later in the morning to insure their having seat^ in the street cars. In the same establishment the elevators start ten minutes before work begins in the morning, and run ten minutes after work stops at night.

Marshall Field & Company ^ have established within the last year what is known as the " Beginners' Room " or school. When a salesman is employed he is first sent to this room, where he receives a day's instruction on their system, policy and methods. He is tested at the close of the day, and if unable to pass, is required to remain in the room another day. If at the end of the second day's instruction he is not qualified, the firm feels that he is not fitted for a position as salesman.

At the same store there is a new system for the employment of junior help, by means of which every one of the three thousand young people receives individual attention. This means that any young man or young woman employed to-day will be looked after for the next three months, so as to know how he or she is getting along. If not successful, it may be because unfitted for that particular line of work or department, in which case a transfer will be made, but if the person is progressing, he or she is called to the oflflce and with a few words of encouragement given a raise of salary — this being done without request on the part of the employ^. This system requires a large part of the time of one superintendent, but is resultful in that employes are made to feel that some one is really interested as to whether or not they make a success of life.

A trained nurse can be an important factor in eflGiciency, as instanced by the report from this department at the Waltham Watch Company,^ where it is not simply an added expense but a real economy.

" Marshall Field & Co., Chicago, 111. Sealing in and Manufacturing Merchandise. Organized March 7, 1901. Number Employes, 11,000.

'Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Mass. Manufacturers Watch Movements and Watch Materials. Organized 1854. Number Employes, 4131.

" It is almost impossible to estimate the ground which has been gained in preventing absences from work, prevention of contagion and infection, especially at times when there is a prevalence of disease or possibly a threatened epidemic. During the recent epidemic of grip, six to eight cases were visited daily at the Adams House; these with outside calls making a total of thirteen daily; many of the girls were showing acute symptoms, all of them were anxious and worried and afraid of serious illness ; some of these girls in attic rooms of lodging houses had been sick one or two days with no care except what could be given by a friend between working hours; these conditions were bettered — the faithful friend relieved of the care and anxious patients and friends encouraged and reassured. Simple cases responded to nursing treatment, others were referred to a physician; many of these girls recovered and were at work again within a week.

Although the work is largely medical, surgical and contagious cases have been attended and also several nervous cases, two cases of reported sore throat returned diphtheritic cultures and were immediately isolated at the contagious ward; these cases made a speedy recovery.

The service shows itself to be an avenue through which people may be protected against poor medical advice and provided with proper care ; and also a provision which will ensure the proper using of the company's valuable supply of free beds at the hospital.

The gratitude of the lodging house people is touching, and those who suffer illness in their homes are also our strong friends. The service enables these incidents to take place at home, thus strengthening family ties, calling forth sympathy and devotion and placing responsibility where it belongs." ^

Comfort can be an efficiency promoter. In some processes it is possible for the operator to sit at her work while she may attend several machines ; in some cases where the machines are some distance apart this would be impossible. To do this the Waltham Watch Company has provided chairs, with grooved rails at the bottom, so that they can slide along a little track, thus allowing the operative to tend the machines comfortably. They have nearly 150 of these special chairs that are fitted up at a cost of $3 each, in addition to the original cost of the chair. The foot rests are so planned as to be adjusted to any desired height. The general superintendent' informs me that these chairs are used only in those cases where one operative attends two or more machines which necessitates moving from one to another. They are very much appreciated in his factory, and under similar conditions he thinks that they would prove of great advantage to operatives elsewhere. A somewhat similar system is used in another factory where high-backed stools are provided for the women at work. Where one woman supervises several pieces of machinery a gentle push slides the stool back and forth along the floor on a miniature railroad, saving steps and strength. Where intense, concentrated light is necessary, as in handling some of the microscopically minute parts of the instruments, the operator is provided with a conveniently adjustable and properly shaded incandescent lamp.