Attend a LIVE Service Autopilot demo this month and be entered to win an iPad!
Get A DemoGet A Demo
Wondering how to hire lawn care employees during these economic conditions?
We all know that there is a labor shortage… but HOW do we overcome it?
While things can be tough out there, we’ve put together a quick guide that will help you:
Every lawn care company should be doing this.
If a member of your team comes to you and says "I've got a good friend who wants to start working here” you should look into it.
Because great team members know great people who could be an asset to your lawn care company.
So after a background check and once an offer is accepted, be sure to thank your team members by giving them a "finder's bonus."
Cash bonuses or other valuable incentives for your employees can help you build some of the best-knit teams in lawn care.
Want to know how to hire lawn care employees with a hidden secret?
Talk to your vendors!
You might have vendors that help you with equipment and fertilization… use these contacts as your resources!
Vendors may not always be able to help you find new employees, but they usually know someone in the lawn care industry looking for a job.
Be sure to say thank you and send a reward if they provide a solid referral.
Yes, advertising is a really important strategy when you’re trying to figure out how to hire lawn care employees.
You need to have your entire area know you're looking for new employees, and you're going to have to spend a few bucks to do that.
Here are a few places to advertise:
All of these channels can help you find your next golden employee.
If you're still having problems, or you're out of time and need employees now, go to them.
Think about where your next employee is likely to be hanging out:
Use the same marketing sense you use when looking for new clients which means having things like:
One of the biggest problems when it comes to how to hire lawn care employees is a lack of labor.
The moment you quit looking for new employees is the moment you stop growing your company.
Don't give up on the search, and work on it just like you would when finding new clients.
Even if you've hired everyone you need for the season, KEEP LOOKING, because you don’t always know when an employee may leave.
Some lawn care pros keep a rotating "bench" of employees-to-be, and call them up whenever there's a 'no-show,' and give them a shot on the team.
Remember: your clients pay you money, but your employees make you money.
Post job openings on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, showcasing your company culture and the perks of working for your company!
Encourage employee testimonials and use hashtags to reach a wider audience.
Imagine candidates scrolling through their feeds, seeing your vibrant team photos, and thinking, "Wow, that looks like a fun place to work!"
Use this sample post for inspiration:
Do you have a green thumb and a passion for making lawns look amazing? Join our friendly team at [Company Name]! We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to work in nature. Plus, free snacks! Tag a friend who might be interested! #hiring #landscaping #outdoors #teamwork
Local vocational schools, community colleges, and even high schools with landscaping programs can be a goldmine for potential hires and can help you strategize on how to hire lawn care employees.
Be sure to attend career fairs, offer internships, or sponsor events at these schools.
That allows you to get your company’s name out there and connect with eager, qualified candidates who are already passionate about the industry.
Just a quick reminder, that while you might find your next all-star here, you’ll still need to budget some extra time for training.
The job market is very competitive right now, and to find (and keep) top talent means that you’ll need to make a competitive offer.
This means that you offer fair compensation packages and benefits.
Do a little research on the main job sites (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) to find out what is being offered in your area, and try to go higher.
Health insurance, paid time off, and training opportunities are great ways to show candidates that you are willing to invest in them.
Lastly, be sure to talk about corporate culture which means creating a work environment that values open communication, teamwork, and employee well-being.
Simply put, that means encouraging collaboration and celebrating achievements when your team gets a win.
Remember, happy employees are more engaged, productive, and likely to stick around, saving you time and money in the long run.
Yes, technical skills and industry knowledge are important, personality and positive attitude go a long way to predicting future success.
You’ll want to look for team players who are eager to learn, take initiative, have a solid work ethic, and share your company’s passion for all things green and serving the community.
A candidate with a smile, a can-do spirit, and a willingness to collaborate can be a huge win for your team even if their skill sets need some fine-tuning.
So you found the right person, and you want to send out an offer…
Before you do, be sure to do a background check and call their references.
This can help make sure that this candidate is right for your business.
In all honesty, this step can take some extra time and there is a cost for the background check.
But think of it as an investment, and you’ll help ensure the safety and security of your clients and property.
Remember, building a dream team doesn’t happen overnight.
Use these strategies to find and keep quality talent, and be sure to work on building a positive work environment.
And when you do all that you can watch your team be more efficient, work faster, and close more sales.
So, get creative, get connected, and get hiring!
Originally published on Nov 1, 2022 7:00 AM updated on Feb 12, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Tags: Business Operation
