Last month, with the help of Phil Salton, we delved into the nitty-gritty of hiring and securing the best employees and subcontractors for your trade business (read the article here). Now that you’ve got your dream team, how do you ensure they stick around and don’t jump ship? Retaining staff and contractors can sometimes feel like nailing jelly to a wall. But fear not! We’ve got some down-to-earth, practical tips to help you retain talent in a trade business.
1. Pay Fairly and On Time
Money talks and it has a lot to say when payday rolls around. Make sure you pay your team fairly and promptly; this helps build trust and loyalty. Late payments are like that one mate who always “forgets” his wallet at the pub—annoying and a sure way to lose friends fast.
2. Offer Training and Development
Nobody likes feeling stuck in a rut, especially not skilled tradespeople who thrive on mastering their craft. Offering training and development opportunities improves their skills and shows you care about their growth. But, in the long run, it also helps your business to have well-trained talent. It’s a #win-win situation!
3. Foster a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment isn’t just about having a fridge full of cold drinks (though that helps). It’s about building a culture of respect, camaraderie, and mutual support. When your team feels valued and part of something bigger, they’re likelier to stick around.
So, how do you make this happen? Start by holding regular meetings where everybody has a voice. Or, tell your crew that you have an open-door policy and want to hear from your team.
In short, regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and being approachable can make a world of difference.
4. Recognise and Reward Good Work
Everyone likes a pat on the back now and then. Recognising and rewarding good work can boost morale and motivation. Small gestures of appreciation go a long way, whether a shoutout in the team meeting, a gift card, or an extra day off. Just think of it as investing in goodwill – it pays dividends in loyalty and hard work.
Keeping your employees and contractors happy and loyal doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. You can build a skilled and dedicated team with fair pay, opportunities for growth, a positive work environment, open communication, and regular recognition. Remember, a loyal crew is your best asset – and they’re a lot more fun to work with than a revolving door of new hires. So, take care of your team, and they’ll take care of your business.
Do you need help keeping your books in order while you focus on keeping your crew happy? We’re here to help! Contact us today, and let’s keep your business running smoothly together.