Turning the Tables on Employee Turnover

How to attract skilled labor and improve technician retention. 

In today’s job market, the only thing harder than finding new employees is keeping them. There is a major shortage of qualified service technicians and the problem doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. 

The Baby Boomer generation is now retiring and younger generations either lack the job skills to replace them or the interest to pursue the same careers. This lopsided talent pool is creating a surge in demand for skilled labor. And when demand is high, companies need to get creative to find and retain staff. 

Here are a few tips and tricks to help attract new workers and keep employees on staff longer. 

Partner with Local Schools and Industry Associations 

It’s difficult to compete with the entire workforce for new recruits. But what if you didn’t have to? Partnering with local high schools, trade schools, community colleges, and industry associations could give you the advantage of funneling graduates directly into your system as soon as they’re done with school or a certification program. By offering the option to become a certified technician from a training program helps cement the loyalty between you and your employees too. Getting your brand name in front of this new labor pool as often as possible before they enter the workforce gives you a leg up on the competition. 

Recognize and Reward 

Employees want to be recognized for their contribution to the business. They want their employers to understand their value and be rewarded for their hard work. This doesn’t mean you need to break the bank with financial bonuses, but rather, you need to find a way to ensure they feel recognized. Try using your Davisware software to track specific employee KPIs and reward the monthly leader with some kind of incentive and public praise. 

Mentor, Don’t Micromanage 

Good employees are always looking for ways to learn, grow, and advance in their careers. But at the same time, nobody wants a manager constantly looking over their shoulder. Employees want help when they need it, and independence when they don’t. Davisware’s RFS+ Mobile App can be an incredible tool for fostering this level of mentorship. Technicians can use the app to look up prior work history on a specific job and connect with other service techs for additional help, all while maintaining their autonomy in the field. 

Offer Flexibility 

There are many ways to boost employee morale and retention beyond just pay raises and bonuses. Many employees prefer other perks such as flexible scheduling. Staggering start times, offering longer lunch hours, moving to four-day workweeks, or even posting schedules well in advance can give your employees a benefit they won’t find with your competitors. Davisware’s software scheduling solutions can help make it easier to accommodate these types of flexible scheduling perks. 

Provide Valuable Technology 

The younger generation workforce has grown up with social media, digital apps, and mobile devices. As they enter their careers—even in skilled labor—they’re expecting their employers to utilize technology to make their jobs easier. Davisware’s software solutions help employees work more efficiently and effectively. They’ll be able to communicate with the back office and customers easily, as well as having the proper tools in hand to deliver quality service at every job.  

The best way to retain employees is to make their job as easy as possible. Davisware’s software solutions can help you make that happen. Use data insights to reward outstanding employees. Utilize software to provide flexible work schedules. Give employees access to mentorship and productivity tools in the palm of their hands. 

Work Environment  

A positive work environment plays a pivotal role in reducing employee turnover. When employees feel valued, supported, and engaged at their workplace, they are more likely to develop a sense of commitment and loyalty to the organization. Job satisfaction and fulfillment, coupled with a supportive work atmosphere, reduce the likelihood of employees seeking opportunities elsewhere. By investing in a positive work environment, organizations not only retain talented individuals but also encourage a culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustained productivity. 

If you’re ready to increase your employee retention, give us a call at 847-426-6000 or schedule a demo today.