If you’ve got a fantastic team of tradies working for you, the last thing you want is for them to take their skills and know-how off to another company. So how can you make sure your employee retention and engagement is off the charts? Try out some of the tips below.

1. Create an exit survey

When one of your team is on their way out, they’re likely to be honest because they’ve got nothing to lose. Asking them for feedback about you and your business when they leave is a great way to learn where you can improve. Be sure to ask why they’re leaving, if they enjoyed working for you and why or why not, and what they think could be done better.

2. Create a team survey

It’s not enough just to get information from someone who’s leaving, the point is to stop them leaving in the first place. Create a survey that your team can complete anonymously so they can be really honest. Ask them if they enjoy working for you, and why or why not. Ask for any improvements they would like to see, and how satisfied they are with their working environment.

3. Share your vision and goals

Teams are likely to work together better if they’re all working towards the same thing and have shared values. If you haven’t already, create some company values and put together your vision for what you are working together to achieve. Communicate these to your team, and once they understand that they each have an important role to play in the company vision, they’ll feel valued and work harder for you.

4. Provide training and development

Most people thrive when they are learning something new, and tradies are no exception. Don’t let their skills stagnate or they’ll get bored and might look to greener pastures. Push all of your team to be the best they can be and provide proper training and upskilling opportunities for everyone. It’s a win-win situation – they get to grow their skills and you get to reap the benefits of that!

5. Treat your team like people

You might think you already do this, but how much do you really know about your employees? You know their best skill sets, but do you know what they like to do in their spare time? You don’t need to be their best buddy, but if you take an interest in their personal lives, you’ll build a much better relationship. Your team will feel valued and not like they are just another cog in the machine.