The Green Industry has been starving for workers. Let’s have a look at some key points to consider in managing landscaping crews so they will want to stay and return.Â
Managing Landscaping Crews
Your crews are likely a mix of generations and genders which is an important factor in managing landscaping crews. Veteran workers and newbies work side by side but require different management. Knowing how your staff works and operates will make managing and hiring that much easier. Let’s have a look at different types of workers and what is important to them.
Boomerang Workers
Keeping workers is hard, so how do you handle those that leave and ask to come back? Boomerang workers are those that quit and return later. There are many reasons for this: they may leave for another job, family, sickness or just laziness. Often these workers come crawling back. At first, you may want to turn down a boomerang worker if they left on bad terms. However, according to HR Today, a growing number of companies are welcoming back rehires because they require less training, know the company and may even be valuable. For some companies, using someone for a brief period of time may be better than nothing.
Millennials and Technology
Although slow, the Green Industry is integrating into the world of technology. Technology allows us to automate some of the design, estimating and invoicing processes. This means that companies have started outsourcing some of that work. Millennials that have an interest in hands-on work will appreciate being able to integrate technology and feedback into the job. Generation Z is also now in the workforce. They have an appreciation for technology, online training, and mentorship.
Millennials want to know that what they are doing is adding value to the company. Basically, they want to be acknowledged and appreciated. Understanding what each of your team members, not just millennials, values in their job will help you to better manage them, keep them and maximize their potential.
As the years go by, millennials are gaining more experience. Despite the bad reputation some millennials may have for laziness and lack of interest in hands-on work, the truth is they are the next generation. They are the ones who will be taking over for all the Baby Boomers that are nearing retirement. Invest in your young people, they are the future of your company!
Setting Clear Expectations
As an owner, it is your responsibility to your company and your employees to set clear expectations. Not doing so is a prime cause for upset; realize that your people cannot read your mind. One expectation that more than 66 percent of managers have is for their employees to be reachable off hours. Do not assume that anything goes. If you want to have staff stay and put in the extra work, you have to offer them more. Offering employee benefits will draw more long term employees your way. Again, this goes back to the struggle to keep employees. Know what you expect and want out of your team, but be willing to pay out in some way to get it. If you take care of them they will take care of you.
Training and Classes
Although the Green Industry has done a good (in a bad way) job of staying stagnant in many practices, technology is becoming more prevalent. Yes, mowing is still mowing and planting is still planting, but technology and other advancements are making the industry bigger and better. Ensuring that all your employees are trained and understand tools, technology and equipment might assist them in their jobs can alleviate some of their concerns. Better irrigation control, advances in water features and landscaping tools are all making the industry more profitable and competitive.
Make sure to keep your new guys trained and your old guys up to date on all the changes. This is easy to do with Wolf Creek’s online training portal and classes during the offseason. Wolf Creek also offers a helpful, educated team in each of our locations to support you with any landscaping project.
Flexible Hours
Since employment is a constant concern in this industry, you need to pay attention to what incoming workers are looking for. Millennials and generation z employees want flexibility in their job. Our industry also calls for long hours and somewhat unpredictable schedules. Young people often don’t have families or other big obligations, so they may make a good fit.
Again, it is important to make clear agreements with your new hires. Neither of you wants to be taken advantage of. Set up clear rules for requesting days off and changing schedules. You could consider writing up your expectations and rules.
Although there is no perfect equation for managing and understanding your employees, these are some details to consider. Good Luck!
