Working in the pipeline rehabilitation industry is hard work: long days, time away from family and difficult working conditions. Prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of your crew helps create a positive work environment which is vital to maintaining an engaged and productive team. 

Whether you need a new plan or just a refresher, these are a few steps you can take to help with employee retention and improve the work environment for your crew: 

Exhibit strong leadership

A strong leadership team constructs a positive company culture that retains quality employees. Defining clear expectations of appropriate conduct and leading by example promotes a feeling of solidarity throughout the team. And spending time with co-workers gives a sense of unity and belonging. 

Communicate

Clear and consistent communication about company values, mission and procedures helps employees understand and embrace shared goals. It promotes a collaborative environment and strengthens relationships. 

Build trust

Strong leadership and clear communication establishes a foundation of trust. Your crew should trust that decisions that affect the entire company are being made strategically and thoughtfully. And you should trust in your hiring decisions — that your team has the skills and expertise to do their jobs. If your crew knows you trust and believe in them to excel in their work, they’ll reciprocate that trust in you as a leader. 

Offer competitive compensation

It goes without saying that offering competitive wages, overtime pay, expense reimbursement and robust benefits goes a long way in keeping your crew’s morale high and reducing turnover. Labor is a major expense for any rehab company, and a natural target when cost-cutting is needed. However, the cost of replacing under-compensated employees when they depart is almost always higher: recruiting, training and overtime to cover the workload during the transition. Plus, a seasoned and loyal team always does better work. 

Promote safety

A culture of safety is a key component to any wastewater and sewer rehabilitation business. Safety training of new crew members and ongoing training for your entire team conveys to employees that their well-being is your foremost concern. 

Recognize, thank and reward

Everyone likes to feel appreciated and be recognized for a job well done, no matter how big or small. A comment at the staff meeting, taking the crew to lunch or a spot bonus are simple ways to express thanks. Recognize small wins and good behavior. 

Cross-train

Cross-training your crew so they can tackle different types of problems and operate various kinds of equipment will aid in retaining quality team members by keeping them interested and challenged. Ask experienced crew members to train new ones, not only on equipment and on-the-job skills, but also on customer service or account management.

Encourage professional development

To excel at employee retention and customer satisfaction, stay abreast of industry methods and trends. Then invest in improved tools for your crew to use along with necessary education and training opportunities.

The economic advantages to retaining happy, loyal, productive employees and having a positive work environment are clear. It requires investment and ongoing commitment, but the results are vital to the long-term health of your team, customer satisfaction, and business alike.  

Pipeline Renewal Technologies is committed to producing and sharing resources for the pipeline rehabilitation industry. Contact us today or call 866-936-8476 to see how we can help you.

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