Elise Radawitz,
Velocity LEADER
I recently attended the AHR Expo in Chicago and while I were there was able to chat with many seasoned HVAC business owners, to pick their brains on the secret sauce to keeping their teams not just surviving but thriving an industry that has its share of physical and mental demands. Their insights were real and surprisingly simple. Here are a few of the takeaways for how they foster a workplace that’s not just about fixing units, but also about building a happy and healthy team.
1. Set Expectations Early:
One owner I spoke to stressed the importance of transparency during the hiring process. “Make sure they realize this is a physically and mentally demanding job,” he advised. It’s about being upfront about the challenges, so your team knows what they’re signing up for.
2. Work Smart, Not Hard:
That owner also shared more wisdom that extended to workload management. “Don’t overwork your techs,” he emphasized. “Limit service calls to 3-5 a day and encourage technicians to take their time and ace each call. Quality over quantity, always.” While this may not fit for your business, the idea of helping manage your employees’ time allowing them time to get it right will lead to less callbacks.
3. Show Them the Money:
Another owner shared that, “If your team knows there’s a pot of gold at the end of their hard work rainbow, they’re more likely to give it their all.” This particular company offered spiffs for their techs on IAQ products and some other select accessories like thermostats.
4. Be Part of the Team:
The common theme I heard from each owner or manager was that they don’t see themselves as a ‘boss’. That mindset was reflected when one of them shared his management style. “I’m part of the team,” he says. Creating an open-door policy, encouraging team members to lean on each other, and being genuinely interested in their well-being is crucial for a mentally healthy work environment.
5. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small:
Celebrations bring a team together. Regular weekly meetings, monthly training sessions trainings and team outings to baseball games create a positive culture were all examples I heard. Setting and achieving goals become moments of shared victory, boosting morale.
6. Know Your Team:
“Simply asking how they are can make a huge difference,” shared one owner. Recognize when someone might be struggling, whether at work or home. A little empathy goes a long way in creating a supportive workplace.
7. Food: The Universal Love Language:
One owner highlighted the effectiveness of food at team events. Donuts on Fridays, catered lunches once a month, and even spin-the-wheel games with cash prizes create an atmosphere that shows you care about your team beyond the job.
So, there you have it, HVAC warriors! Build a team that not only fixes systems but builds each other up.
Be transparent, celebrate victories, and have a box of donuts handy. Your team will thank you, and you’ll have a crew that proudly says, “It’s the best place I’ve ever worked!”
Stay cool (and warm!),
~Elise 🌬️🔧🔥
