For any business owner, hiring staff is a big deal. But once they’ve signed on the dotted line, it’s time to switch gears and invest time and effort into team management. Why? Ideally, you want to keep staff turnover as low as possible. Not only will you save a bunch on hiring and training costs, but having a reliable, committed team means your customers get consistent, quality service.
Are you paying your staff enough? Use our free Charge-Out Rate Calculator to see if you can increase their rates.
So, what can you do to keep your staff happy? Here are our tips for holding onto valuable trade staff.
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- Pay them what they're worth
- Give them room to grow
- Invest in their skills
- Create a positive work atmosphere
- Respect their personal lives
- Sweeten the deal with benefits
- Listen to their ideas
- Celebrate their wins
1. Pay them what they're worth
It might sound obvious, but fair pay is a huge factor in staff retention. Skilled tradespeople put in a lot of time and effort to master their craft and deserve to be paid accordingly. Keep an eye on industry standards and make sure you’re offering competitive salaries. Regular reviews and raises based on performance can go a long way to showing your team they're valued.
Got your payroll under control? Learn how to manage payroll effectively.
2. Give them room to grow
Everyone wants to know there’s a future ahead of them in their job. If you’re hiring apprentices, encourage them to take on additional certifications or licences and provide opportunities for them to step into mentorship or leadership roles later on. This not only boosts morale but also builds a more confident, skilled and loyal workforce.
3. Invest in their skills
Supporting your employees’ ongoing education and skill-building pays off in spades. Offer workshops, courses, and training sessions directly related to their trade. This shows your commitment to their professional growth and helps them stay at the top of their game.
4. Create a positive work atmosphere
A good work environment can make all the difference. Encourage open communication, give constructive feedback, and foster a sense of camaraderie among your team. If you have teams spread out across different worksites or you work with many subcontractors, use digital tools to keep everybody in the loop.
Happy staff equals a productive team. Use employee engagement apps and software to track and analyse staff productivity and satisfaction.
5. Respect their personal lives
The balance between work and personal life is so important. Make sure working hours are reasonable and consider flexible schedules or time off to upskill where it makes sense. You might even consider whether a four-day workweek could work for your business. Either way, showing you care about your team’s well-being and whole self will help build trust and loyalty.
6. Sweeten the deal with benefits
Beyond the basics like annual leave, competitive pay and safe working conditions, think about offering additional perks like health insurance, retirement plans or a team celebration. These benefits can significantly boost overall job satisfaction and loyalty.
7. Listen to their ideas
Make your team feel heard and valued by asking for their input on decisions that affect their work. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns and take action where possible. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Get your team together for a Toolbox talk with our free template
8. Celebrate their wins
Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your team's accomplishments. Whether finishing a tough project, hitting a personal milestone, or sharing praise received from a client, recognition boosts morale and reinforces a positive company culture.
Keeping your trade staff happy, fulfilled, and loyal isn't just a nice to have; it's essential for the success of your trade business. By putting these practical tips into action, you can create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also keeps them around for the long haul.
Need help managing your team? Sign up for a 14-day free trial with Tradify. No credit card required. No commitment. Or visit one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.
