Oh man, that sounds like a tough situation. I totally get how overwhelming it must be with so much work piling up and not enough people working overtime. It's frustrating when it seems like nobody cares about the workload and the impact it has on the shop.
As for your management friends, I can imagine how they must be feeling stuck. Getting people to work overtime can be a tricky task, especially if there's a lack of motivation or interest. They might need to find ways to encourage employees to put in the extra hours without causing burnout or resentment.
One approach could be offering incentives, like extra pay for overtime hours or some kind of bonus or recognition for those who go the extra mile. It might not solve everything, but it could be a good way to show appreciation for the extra effort.
Communication is also key. Management should talk to the employees about the importance of the workload and how their contributions can make a difference. If they can make the team understand the significance of their work and how it affects the overall success of the shop, it might inspire some to step up and help out.
Additionally, ensuring a positive work environment and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the team can be crucial. When employees feel like they are part of a supportive and united group, they may be more willing to pitch in during busy times.
Of course, it's essential for management to be understanding and sensitive to the employees' personal lives as well. Encouraging work-life balance is important to prevent resentment or burnout.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but finding the right balance of incentives, communication, and employee support might be the way to go. Good luck to your friends in management; I hope they find a way to tackle the workload and get the team on board without causing too much stress.