As the economy continues to improve, the labor market is getting tighter and tighter. This has led to a shortage of qualified employees in many industries, including pest control and lawn care. Almost everyone is raising prices by 10-15% to accommodate for the increased cost of labor and technology.
Many factors, including unemployment benefits, lack of child care and other pandemic-related issues, are contributing to the labor shortage. But just how bad is it? These stats from Forbes reveal the impact of the Great Resignation on the current market.
- 60% of business owners report a shortage of labor.
- Over 20% of businesses characterize the shortage as critical to operations.
- Over 80% reported loss of sales due to the labor shortage.
- In March 2021, the reservation wage for workers without a college degree rose by 26% year-over-year.
So how do you go about recruiting and retaining employees in today’s competitive market? Here are a few tips:
Invest in Technology
By investing in the latest systems and technologies for sales, support, scheduling, routing and payments, you show your commitment to operating a modern and efficient pest control or lawn care business. You also de-risk your business when you can use technology. Prove that you value your employees’ time by investing in automation tools and self serve options such as:
- Mobile access to customer information
- Self-serve portals on your website (FAQs, tutorials, help articles, etc.)
- Enrolling customers in autopay
- Expanding communication channels
- Phone vs text vs chat
- Chatbots for payments, schedules, etc.
- Automate communication to clients
Be sure to offer adequate training to employees to help them understand the full benefits of the tools you’re providing.
Think About Culture
Create a More Diverse Workforce
One of the main benefits of having a diverse workforce is that it leads to better decision making. Diverse teams come up with more innovative solutions and are able to tackle challenges in more creative ways. When everyone has a voice, businesses can make smarter decisions that reflect the needs of their customers and employees. In fact, a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has found that companies that have more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation.
With millennials representing 35% of the total US labor force, they are the largest working generation. However, according to TEAM software, millennials have only a 15% retention rate. Unlike previous generations that focused heavily on pay, millennials are motivated more by enjoyment, purpose and flexibility.
Establish a Positive Culture
Make sure your employees feel valued. One of the best ways to do this is through regular recognition and feedback. Let your employees know that their contributions are valued and give them feedback on how they can improve.
Create a positive work environment. This is essential for keeping your employees happy and engaged. Make sure you have a good team dynamic, provide adequate training, and allow for some flexibility in the workplace.
Create opportunities for growth and development. Employees want to know that there is room for them to grow and develop within the company. Offer training and development programs and give your employees the opportunity to learn new skills.
Stay Flexible
In today’s economy, many employees are looking for more flexibility in their jobs. Be willing to work with them on a schedule that works best for their circumstances and offer telecommuting options when possible.
Revamp Recruiting Techniques
Look at Sources for Recruiting
There are many sources of recruiting employees, including online job sites, employment agencies, professional associations and your own company website. In fact, company websites are becoming the most utilized way to recruit and hire new employees as opposed to job boards and social media.
Take advantage of as many sources as possible to attract a large pool of qualified candidates and then use role-specific personality tests to find good fits for the long term instead of hiring in bulk. Don’t forget to consistently review and actively manage your hiring platforms and keep listings current.
Boost Incentives and Retention Bonuses
Improve Base Pay & Perks
Offering good benefits is a key factor in attracting and retaining employees. Make sure you offer health insurance, 401k plans, and paid vacation time. Some companies are now offering same-day pay programs giving workers access to their earnings quickly after their workday is over.
Promote from within. One of the best ways to retain your top talent is to look first to your own teams for role advancements. Offer opportunities for growth and development, and make sure your employees feel challenged in their work.
Always remember to reward employee achievements. This can be done through bonuses, raises and other forms of recognition. Showing your employees that you appreciate their hard work will encourage them to continue working hard and contributing to the company’s success.
Conclusion
Attracting and retaining top talent is all about creating a positive culture where individuals are recognized for their hard work and given opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers. Be open-minded to new ideas and provide competitive pay and incentives. Remember creativity and flexibility are key to operating a modern pest control or lawn care company.