Retaining Empolyees

classictruckman

classictruckman

Participating member
Location
Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada
Recently it has been very annoying trying keep employees, we believe in training our guys very well with CDLs, Apprenticeships, etc. I can't remember the last employee we kept more than 2 years, just when they are trained and productive they move onto another company or industry.

I have talked to other companies in our area and they have the same problems.

I was just wondering if other people were having the same problem and those that aren't what are you doing to retain your employees?
 
A lot of guys leave the industry here in Hawaii because it's possible to make more money in a different industry that involves considerably less difficulty and danger. Unfortunately, wages for climbers generally aren't comparable to other skilled trades.

All I could recommend is to pay your guys (the ones worth keeping) better than anyone else in the area and make them a part of your operation, not just an employee.

jp
grin.gif
 
Here is my wish list for any company that I'd work for.

1. Paid training. I wish that a company would care to teach me anything that I desired to learn pertaining to arborculter. Pertaining to certifications, ISA or tcia related certs and there trade shows.

2. Appreciation. Not neccisarily money. Just an all around thank you for all the hard work. Money is nice but it goes quick. True appreciation goes so much further.

3. Future. I am currently stuck and can't possibly make any more money, no matter how much the company brings in. It also seems that there is no way I could buy the company or become a partner. I've peaked at the ripe old age of 27 and I don't make enough money to support a family. That just won't cut it. I love my job but if it can't provide for my future then BAM. i'm a teacher.

4. Appreciation. I know I said this already but I can't stress it enough. When you feel like your on the same team as everyone else and everyone is working toward the same goal nothing can beat that feeling. It is so important to feel apart of a team And to have a common goal and when they become achieved it's important to let everyone know how proud you are of everyone. (I blame my dad for never loving me)

5. Respect. I never yell at my crew. I always listen to their ideas and suggestions. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they aren't. I always explain what and why I choose to do what I do so they can better understand why I chose to do what I did. if they had a good Idea I use it. I'm never so conceded to think that I am always right or to think that I am the only person with the right answers. Yelling never gets the best out of people (most people). I go with positive reinforcement. So far it hasn't let me down.

I think that's it. If I was able to find that in a company I wouldn't ever want to leave. I try my best to make sure that everyone on my team feels appreciated. They make me the climber I am. As the foreman I can only make certain things happen but we have had the same couple of guys for quite a few years and they always tell me that if I wasn't there they would have already moved on ( I can't tall you how much this means to me). The appreciation goes so far around here.
 
[ QUOTE ]
A lot of guys leave the industry here in Hawaii because it's possible to make more money in a different industry that involves considerably less difficulty and danger. Unfortunately, wages for climbers generally aren't comparable to other skilled trades.

All I could recommend is to pay your guys (the ones worth keeping) better than anyone else in the area and make them a part of your operation, not just an employee.

jp
grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

I like the idea and already try to follow it, but its kind of hard to do when Hydro One is paying $36 an hour for brush draggers, not skilled ground men, just guys to drag brush to the chipper.
 
I have Know problem really retaining employees at this point.In fact several former employess want there olds jobs back.Im to the point where I feel like Ive spoiled employees and now they expect to much-compared to what they give.Its pretty sad when they seem to make more than the owner and I out work them on the jobs most days.Family Ive tried to do basically everything you listed(except ownership)even buy the guys lunch everyday practically.Pay for any training any certs whatever,now I feel like Ive created spoiled lazy workers who milk the clock for more overtime.They just continue to want more and more but put out less.2of my guys live in houses that cost 2 to almost 2and half what mine does.Using my equipment for side jobs and my company phone to sale them without permission and the guy already makes close to 60 k a year-this is a 24 year with no education and no CA.You can give guys what they want but then they get greedy and want more and it never ends.The funny part is after all this dude makes for me and on the side for some reason he never has money for his own lunch.Ive thought about paying them commision or a daily rate but the quality of work would go out the door so bad I would have to shut down.They also get paid holidays paid vacations,paid to go to seminars and training ,drive time no matter if its to alaska or what.I provide any gear that they need(most of the time I find it laying in dirt in the truck)great equipment to do the job faster.I think they are just spoiled,sometimes I want to can them all and just do it myself.I try to treat them as I wanted to be treated but I was self motivated no matter what I made-i worked for respect and pride and to bring my king glory.
 
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Using my equipment for side jobs and my company phone to sale them without permission

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Why would you allow this to happen? Don't let yourself be take advantage of, and stop buying them lunch! Tell them to pack it.
 
It's sounds like your the right boss with the wrong guys.

I would start looking for new hires immediately and fire the guys using your equipment on side jobs. That should shake things up and scare the lazy right out of the other guys. Nothing aggravates me more then lazy cry baby workers. It makes everyone look bad and pisses off perfectly good owners.

If you offer everything that I listed (ownership was a big "wish") and it's still not working then it maybe time to reinvest in a new crew. Keep the ones that produce for you but dump the other guys.

I have it easy. My guys are the best. They give me 100% everyday without hesitation. I have had guys in the past that I've yelled at, they didn't last long. The best thing to do is have a solid core of guys that get work done. That way when you hire on more people they have the choice to either fall in line with the core or get run over.

Also, if your not on the jobsite all of the time, having a foreman on site that shares your same goals and ideals is a big plus. It would be like a mini Jimmy.
 
Thats funny Cory I think I spit DR pepper on my screen.Chinda said your little girl looks just like Ur babys momma.I think Family hit the nail on the head to retain good employees you must first hire good canidates.The only problem is people change after they have been with you a few years and they sometimes are no longer the right canidate.
 
Sounds like a bit of a "pickle" jimmy. Almost 60k is damn good money. I think your right though, you've got to put your foot down and just "set it straight". Tell them, as the boss, how it is. Employees seldom have a full grasp of what it really takes, and just because your not on site all the time doesn't mean your not working. FT, your spot on. Thank yous go a long way. Some people want nothing more than to be told what to do for 8 hours and then go home. Others respond very well to the "team" mentality and perform accordingly. Cory's point is good too. Being a good judge of character is key. probably one of the hardest things to do is be both a friend and a boss. It is possible. Anyway, your a good man and I think your crew will accept whatever terms you give them.
 
Or if they do it behind your back.Im not omni present so when im not at the job or shop stuff goes down.Its funny I offer all the stuff guys seem to want as employers or at least what I would have wanted.Maybe start being the grinch turn me back into the ole me.Just kidding
 
Its not that bad I think I was venting a little.I think you can give guys all they want and they wil still want more and if they find a better deal they'll jump ship.Not all of them, every once and a while you find someone who is loyal and not to greedy but its aint easy.
 
Leadership Is Essential.

As I write this I discover that my 3 year old daughter decided to dump the poop from her potty chair into the bathroom sink. I'm not happy and am challenged on how I will deal with her.

So I take a deep breath and plan my reaction. My goal is to lead her into responsible maturity. A challenge to say the least.

I have no doubt that you all are stand up guys but investing in anything that helps us to become better leaders is well worth it. Also, look for successful leaders and build relationships with them.

And now, I have to go find the Drano...
 
One other thing,

I once heard of an employee that told his boss that he could'nt survive without his employees. Probably true but the guy sold out and everyone lost there job.

Seems the employees were just as dependant upon the employer.
 
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