Throughout Paul’s amazing 29 years in the automotive recycling industry, he has never seen issues concerning labor become as prominent as today. During our travels, we are constantly hearing the same mantra “It’s hard to attract and retain good employees.” This shortage of labor not only affects larger recyclers, but also the Mom & Pop operations.
An article, published in the Harvard Business Review in 2012 and written by David Williams and Mary Michelle Scott provides five ways to retain employees forever. These five strategies are paraphrased below:
- Responsibility – Employees thrive in environments where they are given responsibility, and we would add, accountability. Hire from within for positions and offer generous promotions at appropriate times.
- Respect – Employees may forget what you said but they won’t forget how you made them feel. If you are an owner who speaks and acts disrespectfully to employees, you are only causing a greater rift in your workforce. Disrespected employees will soon search for another position at a company where their voice and work are respected and valued.
- Revenue – Sharing or Incentive Pay – Sharing revenue and having incentives based on performance can inspire employees to be competitive and work harder within the company. Who has ever refused extra pay?
- Reward – Rewarding employees can be done in a variety of ways. Cookouts, lunches, logo clothing, trade shows, and recognition for performance or certifications are just the tip of the iceberg. You never know what emotional needs each employee has but if you are generous with monetary rewards, the company will benefit.
- Relaxation Time – Though there are some employees who will abuse any time off program, it is a misconception that employees taking time off will cause business owners to lose control. Employees earn their benefits and owners lose respect when questioning loyalty and begrudgingly responding to time off requests.
In addition, Paul offers his own four additional strategies to foster a positive culture at your business.
- Gratitude – Though respect is crucial in any workplace or team, Owners/Managers must also show gratitude when their employees exhibit exemplary behavior. A simple hand shake or smile can communicate gratitude in even the smallest of instances.
- Work Assignments – We must all take responsibility for assigning employees multiple tasks, not giving enough time for the jobs to be fully completed, and then complaining because “No one ever does anything right around here.” Complaining that a difficult task is not completed in a rushed manner is just going to discourage employees.
- Culture of Change – Foster an environment where complacency and static thinking is minimized, ie “we have always done it this way”. Inspire employees to be innovative and attract like minded people who wish to improve the business. It’s the Law of Attraction at its best!
- Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Period, “Nuff Said.”
It has been 6 years since Paul sold Bill’s Auto Parts to Pick-n-Pull but his team still gathers twice a year for the annual Spring Cook Out, as well as a Christmas Party. Though most of the team is younger than Paul, his wife Lynn, and Manager Jim, the culture of respect, gratitude, change, and trust has only gotten better and evolved with time both in and out of the work environment!
HOW CAN RAS HELP WITH THE LABOR SHORTAGE FOR AIRBAG REMOVAL? Labor on Steroids
RAS has built a squad of Independent Suppliers for the RAS Airbag Recovery Program. They currently supply the labor at Auto Recycling Facilities across the US and Canada. They are not employees of RAS but utilize our Mobile App to remove and process airbags from your business. It is Labor on STEROIDS. No Training. No Supervision. No Payroll. They are Quick! They are Eager! They work on a margin worked out between you and them.
Call Paul the Recall Guy at 401-458-9080 or email pdadamo@coresupply.com for more information.
Katie the “Recall Gal” and Paul the “Recall Guy” represent the RAS Recall Team. Their Mission is to rid the planet of defective Airbags.
Want to join the Mission? Call our Recall Team 877-829-1553 x 160