MANAGEMENTSOLUTIONS
Improving employee recruitment and retention
BY MARK BRADLEY HAVING AN EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT and retention strategy is an investment that many landscape business owners undervalue. On a recent episode of the Landscape Disruptors podcast, hiring strategist Kelly Dowell and I discussed the different recruitment plans lawn care and landscape management companies should be using to streamline their operations and improve their hiring strategies. Before we get into those strategies and solutions, let’s first address some of the problems facing contractors in today’s labour market. Lots of work, not enough staff
A recent report by Angi, an internet service connecting homeowners with contractors, concluded the perception among tradespeople is that the skilled labour shortage will continue to worsen. More than two thirds of active service-based companies have struggled to hire skilled labour, and more than one-third are slightly or highly understaffed. More than half of tradespeople say a lack of available workers is stunting their growth, and the majority say they could grow their business if they could find more workers. In addition, one-third of the skilled trade force are within 10 years of retirement age.
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Despite the pandemic-related supply chain breakdown affecting everything from the automotive industry to construction to consumer goods, most landscaping and lawn care companies continue to report significant year-over-year growth. However, many are reporting they have more work opportunities than capacity to get the jobs done. And that brings us to our next point. Although we are living through a growing economy with a severe labour market shortage, perhaps there are some areas to focus on within your business to ease the pain of recruiting, retaining and training your team.
Target the right people
Stop looking for the most talented individuals and build a recruiting, retention and employee development pathway where your company and your team members thrive and grow within the business for years to come. Recruiting people effectively depends on the individuals you can engage. While career fairs and postering have been effective and proven methods in the past, there are newer and modern mediums that can better engage the up-and-coming generation of contractors. For instance, some
