This is the third in a 5-part series about specific strategies you can use in order to retain your best construction employees. You can find the first installment here and the second here.
Treat them well
Some years ago, I heard an axiom which went like this, “Treat your guests like family and your family like guests.”
There are guests. We welcome them to a clean house, offer them refreshments, encourage them to tell us more about themselves, give them a good seat at the table, and never expect them to join in the clean-up of the after-meal mess.
Then, there is family. Family knows where the drinking glasses are and gets their own drink. Family knows the “inside jokes” and laughs in unison even before the sentence is complete. Family rallies for celebrations as well as for times of mourning.
With guests, the strong point is, we’re polite. With family, the strong point is we’re comfortable. It is my contention that employees should receive the best of both worlds. It boils down to being respectful, courteous, and thoughtful.
For quite some time now, our family has used the “red plate method” of singling out a particular family member who has accomplished a difficult task, overcome an odious obstacle, learned a new skill, gotten a promotion, participated in an act of kindness, had a birthday, or in one way or another deserves to have their achievement (or longevity) called out.
Reminders of “job well done” are a great way to let your construction employees know they are appreciated. It has the added benefit of letting them know which behaviors (such as – accomplished a difficult task, overcome an odious obstacle, learned a new skill) you want to see from them. Plus, just like birthdays, longevity with the company is a thing to be celebrated. Here are 101 ways to reward your employees.
Guests as Family
Being respectful of your employee’s opinions, courteous concerning their needs, and thoughtful about the best ways to allow them to progress in both their personal and professional lives is an impressive formula for maintaining team members who want to stick around. After all, they’re part of the family.
Your turn
Plan ways to make sure your construction employees know they’re appreciated. From pats on the back, to hand written notes, to meals “on the boss,” to bonuses, there are many ways to show your appreciation. Treating them well is key to maintaining a long-lasting and fruitful relationship.