Engaging the Trades: Creating a Winning Employee Experience
The trades industry faces unique challenges in attracting and retaining talent. In a recent video, consultant Ryan Englin shared valuable insights on how companies in this sector can thrive by focusing on the employee experience. Englin, who specializes in helping trades businesses attract, hire, and retain employees, emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional practices and embracing a more employee-centric approach.
One of the core issues Englin highlights is the trades industry’s often slow adoption of new technologies and best practices, particularly regarding human resources. This can create a disconnect between the expectations of today’s workforce and the realities of working in the trades.
So, what’s the solution? According to Englin, it’s all about the employee experience. This means shifting the focus from simply meeting compliance and safety standards to actively creating a positive and rewarding work environment. This includes considering every touchpoint an employee has with the company, from the initial application process to ongoing training and development.
Englin emphasizes several key strategies for improving the employee experience:
- Prioritize the Employee Experience: Make it a core business objective, not just an afterthought. This means investing time, resources, and leadership attention into creating a positive employee journey.
- Embrace Data: Use data to understand employee needs and identify areas for improvement. Track key metrics such as turnover rates, employee engagement scores, and feedback from employee surveys. This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions and measurable results.
- Implement a System: Don’t just talk about employee experience – create a concrete system for delivering on it. This might involve developing clear processes for onboarding, performance management, career development, and employee recognition.
- Be Patient: Implementing a new employee experience system takes time and consistent effort. It’s not an overnight fix, but the long-term benefits can be significant.
Englin shared compelling success stories of companies that have implemented his methods. These companies have seen tangible results, including significant reductions in employee turnover and increases in employee engagement. One company, for example, managed to cut turnover by an impressive 50%, while another saw a 20% boost in employee engagement.
These examples demonstrate the powerful impact of prioritizing the employee experience. By focusing on creating a positive and supportive work environment, companies in the trades can attract top talent, boost retention, and ultimately drive business success.
Key Takeaways
- The trades industry can benefit significantly from adopting a more employee-centric approach.
- Focusing on the employee experience is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled workers.
- Data and a well-defined system are essential for implementing and measuring the success of employee experience initiatives.
- While it takes time and effort, investing in the employee experience yields significant returns.
If you’re in the trades industry and looking to improve your workforce strategy, consider taking a page from Ryan Englin’s playbook. By prioritizing the employee experience, you can create a thriving work environment and position your company for long-term success.