By IKO.
The old saying that “good people are hard to find” has never rung truer than in today’s construction industry, where a multitude of projects are generating an unmet demand for skilled labor.
Several factors have contributed to this unprecedented labor shortage, which you’re no doubt experiencing as one among many roofing companies hiring.
In this article, we’ll take a look at finding roofers looking for work, hiring roofing crews and retaining experienced roofers once you’ve found, engaged and trained them. This discussion might also serve skilled workers who are looking for roofing companies hiring or roofing subcontractors looking for work.
Gone are the days of simply posting a “Help wanted” or “We’re hiring” sign in your window or on your truck, although doing so certainly couldn’t hurt!
These days, you need a much more focused, targeted approach that can help you attract and find either experienced roofers or people with the right qualities and work ethic who are eager to learn the trade.
Ideally, your marketing should include both passive inbound and active outbound tactics. Inbound tactics would include posting those signs mentioned above as well as creating the kind of work environment that your current roofing crews will be proud to refer their friends to.
No matter what our profession, we all tend to surround ourselves with likeminded people and colleagues. Your own staff could be your best source for finding talent, one that many companies tend to overlook. Consider developing an incentive program to reward employees for their referrals.
Does your current website include a “Careers” section with an up-to-date list of job openings available? Be sure to include instructions on how to apply, and make it easy, perhaps with an online application form. Also be very clear about what the position involves, what benefits your company offers and describe any potential opportunities for future advancement.
Now let’s look at each of the above tips in greater detail.
Roofing skills are relatively easy to teach a person who is willing and eager to learn them. No doubt you have already developed extensive in-house training programs to teach those skills as well as to educate your roofing crews about worker safety on the job, customer service and your other expectations.
However, when screening or interviewing a candidate to join your roofing crew, there are so many other qualities you need to consider. After all, this roofer is going to represent your company and his or her work will have a direct effect on your bottom line results.
Here are some characteristics to look for before you hire someone to join your roofing crew:
Whether you’re looking at a novice or an experienced roofer, that person needs to demonstrate a willingness to learn or perhaps even a willingness to “unlearn” old habits acquired elsewhere. The roofing industry changes quickly, with new technologies and products being introduced regularly. Any candidate who seems reluctant to change or learn will not be a wise or profitable long-term investment.
Roofing is a dangerous business. An employee who is, complaining or unhelpful can have a negative effect on co-workers’ morale and could possibly lead to some shoddy workmanship. Poor customer service and high employee turnover are other potential issues that could result. During an interview, watch for red flags such as criticizing or badmouthing an employer, co-worker or fellow student. Pay attention to body language and other non-verbal cues, but don’t mistake introversion or an obvious language barrier for a negative attitude.
Apart from the physical labor involved, roofing demands a high degree of self-discipline to arrive on time, act professionally and to get the job done right. Roofers must respect the homeowners as well as their property, or they will cost you in lost referrals and poor online reviews.
According to statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) in 2016, one in five worker deaths were in construction, with falls responsible for 63.7 percent of the total. Those were just the fatalities; injuries sustained and survived were not included.
Any roofers you think about hiring must be serious about safety, for their own sakes’ as well as their team-mates’. Safety helmets, harnesses and other equipment must be properly used and maintained. Be sure to ask about any past accidents or safety issues they may have experienced.
Roofers looking for work must be willing to learn how to handle current technology and adapt quickly to emerging ones. More and more, the job relies on using devices for communicating with suppliers and homeowners, measuring, estimating, ordering materials and using various apps. If your employees can’t keep up with the requisite tech, you may soon find yourself at a competitive disadvantage.
No mention of checking references? Is that deliberate?
The huge demand, short supply and competition for skilled workers is so great, it’s not uncommon for companies to poach roofing crews. Offers of higher pay or better benefits can be hard to counter but there are other ways to promote loyalty and reward performance.
Many roofing companies are family owned and operated businesses but, even if yours isn’t, it’s still important to make all your employees feel like members of a team whose efforts and contribution are valued and appreciated. When people are allowed to make suggestions, offer constructive feedback and feel trusted and listened to, they develop a sense of belonging and company loyalty. When your employees look out for each other and share responsibilities, you’ll see positive results in their performance, personal growth and potentially in your profitability.
Annual reviews are essential but everyone needs praise and constructive criticism at the time when the actions deserving of either are actually happening. Share customer kudos and concerns with your staff members, so they know what you’re hearing and what people’s expectations are. When you need to address a negative situation, focus your attention on the employee’s behavior or action, rather than his or her personality and try to find something positive to comment on as well. Watch your word choices, too. Rather than say, “You should have done such and such,” you could say, “Next time, I’d recommend that you handle it like this.”
Your roofing crew is on the front line of your business, often the ambassador for your company and the liaison between you and the homeowner. These employees will likely know before you do if something’s not working as it should or if some process could be improved. Solicit, encourage and reward their feedback to keep it coming.
The best employees are the ones who want to learn more, do more and make more of themselves. Give them all those chances. Perhaps you could offer an incentive for an experienced roofer to mentor a novice. Or send an employee to a personal development conference for his/her own interest and growth. If you have an experienced roofer who’s thinking of quitting, maybe he’d be happy to stay on in a new capacity, such as in-house trainer or safety consultant. Challenge your staff to think of new ways to improve your business. You might be very surprised at what they come up with.
While money may motivate some people, there are intangible rewards that can be just as effective. Flex-time and recognition programs are particularly well received. A day off or a gift card for dinner can be a powerful incentive and fun reward for those who go above and beyond in some way, while inspiring others to raise the bar on their own performance.
Roofing contractors who have worked with IKO products, services and sales reps often comment on how they feel listened to and valued. We’re proud to have made them feel a part of our family business and we hope that these pointers we’ve just provided will help you attract and retain good people, too.
We invite you to find out more about the benefits of IKO’s ShieldPro programs for professional roofers today.
For more information about IKO visit here.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on IKO’s blog and can be viewed here.
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