There’s a shortage of skilled workers for construction jobs in general, and roofing is no exception. In addition, the industry is dealing with a number of projects that require more and more qualified workers, like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in Texas and Florida last year.
Finding and keeping quality employees has never been more important.
Safety First
When it comes to roofing, it’s important to make sure your roofing team prioritizes safety. This will protect them and those who may be in the area while they’re working.
Roofing requires physical labour, so it’s important to hire experienced roofers who are willing to work safely and do the job right. Be sure to verify their safety training, such as Working at Heights certification.
Workers also should be aware of weather conditions. Rainy or windy conditions can be a major safety risk as they can create slippery surfaces.
Before beginning any work, a toolbox talk should be conducted to discuss the common hazards that workers may encounter. In addition, a contractor should assess the work site for any potential safety issues before employees start.
Communication is Key
Roofing teams that are dispersed around the country and world need to find ways to communicate effectively. Whether it’s sending an email to your team’s field technicians or sharing a photo of the job site from the office, good communication is essential.
The right roofing software system can help your teams stay on top of projects and keep everyone in the loop. Quality roofing software solutions often include a consolidated information hub where all the important data is stored and a secure information relay system to allow communication between team members in the field.
Roofing software also has email and text capabilities that enable your customers to communicate directly with you. With these features, customers can send a question to you and get a response quickly. They can also submit a work request and track the progress of their project. This improves customer satisfaction and encourages referrals.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Teamwork makes the dream work because when a group of people work together, they can accomplish more than if each person worked on their own. This is a fact that has been proven by many studies and experts.
It is also important for teams to have effective feedback systems in place. This will allow the team members to address their problems as they arise and improve their performance.
In addition, teamwork can make the job more enjoyable for everyone involved because they will be able to communicate better and work on the same goal. This can help to build trust and loyalty between members.
One way to see if your team is working well is through team competitions. These are often the most cost-effective ways to see if your team is functioning properly, as they can be conducted during regular work hours and do not have to be expensive or require employees to take time off of work.
Invest in Your Employees
Investing in your employees is a key part of retaining the people who work hard on your roofs. It shows that you value them and appreciate their contributions to your business.
Providing additional training and a clear career path also encourages employee retention and avoids the labor shortage that can impact your business.
By investing in your roofing team, you can create an environment that fosters innovation and growth. Studies have shown that companies with a culture of innovation see greater profitability than those who are more rigid and stuck in their ways.
In addition, investing in your employees’ career development shows that you have a plan for their future. This could be through leadership opportunities, higher pay, or more responsibility.
The roofing industry is in the midst of a labor shortage, which can affect your bottom line if you don’t have a strong employee retention strategy. Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive tactics you can use to keep your employees engaged and motivated on the job.