Almost every day, I hear or see someone complaining, “We just need more people” or “I can’t hire anyone good.” As someone who interviews and hires a lot of people each year, I understand the struggle, especially as spring approaches and the demand for landscaping services increases. However, instead of merely complaining or feeling like the victim of the problem, I decided to change our approach. Over the past six months, we've implemented several strategies at Foxscapes that have shown some promising results.
First and foremost, we have invested a significant amount of time in our staff to build a culture where people feel valued, see room for growth, and envision a greater career at Foxscapes. This investment has not only boosted morale but also increased employee retention and loyalty.
Additionally, we've empowered our staff by promoting and allowing them to take more ownership of their crews, sites, and divisions. This has created a more collaborative and supportive environment where experienced staff can better train new hires, improving the overall quality of our workforce.
One of the more unconventional steps we took was hiring a full-time videographer. This decision served two purposes: to market the type of work we do to potential clients and to use video as a recruiting tool to show our community that landscaping and working at Foxscapes can be more than just a summer job. It can be a fulfilling career that can support their family.
The videos also play a crucial role in our company culture. By showcasing the people and processes at Foxscapes, they not only inform our staff about the work of other crews and divisions but also create a sense of pride and collaboration in the work they do. These videos don’t just stay within the confines of the workday; our staff also share them at home with their family and friends, creating a sense of accomplishment and pride.
While hiring challenges remain constant in our industry, we've found that by investing in our staff, promoting ownership, and utilizing creative marketing strategies, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Community Partnerships & Programs Manager
1moIs the admin role remote? I have a friend that would be fantastic