With skilled tradies in high demand, residential construction companies across Australia and New Zealand are feeling the pinch when it comes to keeping a quality crew.
Plenty of Kiwi workers are eyeing up the Aussie job market after a rough economic year, while local Aussie tradies are stretched thin by a serious labour shortage.
A lot of businesses have a solid workload lined up for 2025, but here’s the worry: how do you keep your top-notch crew around long enough to deliver?
Here are some no-nonsense tips to keep your best tradies happy and loyal.
1. Invest in Upskilling Opportunities
No one likes feeling stuck in a rut. Offering upskilling opportunities not only enhances your team's abilities but also shows you're invested in their future. This can be a game-changer in retaining your best tradies.
Here are some specific ways to make it happen:
- Paid Courses for Heavy Truck (HT) Licensing: Allow your crew to take on more responsibilities by covering the cost of their HT licence. This not only benefits them but also adds value to your operations by having more qualified drivers on your team.
- Specialised Tool and Equipment Training: Keep your crew ahead of the curve by providing training on the latest tools and machinery. Specialised training can boost their confidence and efficiency on the job. For example, if you have someone that can operate a theodolite or even a dumpy to measure and mark out the site (or check the surveyor isn’t hungover), you can level up your business and crew.
- Business Management Courses for Financial Literacy: Equip your team (and yourself) with knowledge about budgeting, project management, and financial planning. Understanding the business side can foster a greater sense of ownership and responsibility. Not only will this help you (and give you the freedom to take a holiday!), but it will arm your people with one of the most important skills for when they may want to go out on their own.
- Certifications: Like Certified Builders, Certificate IV and Green Building Council of Australia/NZ (GBCA): These certifications will benefit you just as much as your people. Not only is it great to advertise but you will see more work and your output will be of a vastly higher quality.
- Cross Trade Skills: If you are consistently waiting for the concrete guys, spewing at the cost of the drain layers or prepping the roof shout without the roof, why not upskill some of your crew on that trade. Not only will this save you time and money, but it’s an alternative channel of work when times are slow.
- First Aid and Safety Training: Enhancing safety skills not only protects your team but also shows you prioritise their well-being.
By providing these opportunities, you're not just upskilling your team—you're giving them compelling reasons to stay and grow with your company.
2. Implement Retention Agreements
To safeguard your investment in training, consider setting up contractual agreements. These can stipulate that employees agree to stay with your company for a designated period after completing their training. If they choose to leave earlier, they repay the training costs. This ensures a fair commitment from both sides and underscores the value of the opportunities you're providing.
Note: Have a chat with a lawyer when putting these in place to guard yourself from disputes.
3. Make the Pay Worth Their While
Good tradies know their worth. Make sure your pay rates are competitive within the industry.
Beyond the base pay, consider:
- Bonuses for Project Completion: Offer financial incentives when projects (or major tasks that affect your profitability) are completed on time and within budget.
- Loyalty Rewards: Acknowledge long-term team grinders with extra leave days, gift cards, or even a shout out over socials.
- Perks and Allowances: Fuel allowances, tool allowances, or even paying for an extended smoko can make a big difference.
These gestures show that you value their hard work and dedication, making them more likely to stay.
4. Build a Positive Site Culture with Flexibility
Culture is everything on a job site. Keep it positive, fair, and safe.
The little things matter here:
- Team Building Activities: Regular BBQs, team outings, or a quick knock-off drink on a Friday arvo can boost morale.
- Open Communication: Encourage feedback and make sure your tradies feel heard and respected.
- Flexibility: Offering early knock-offs when possible or accommodating personal commitments helps your team maintain a healthy work-life balance.
When your crew enjoy coming to work, they're more likely to stick around.
5. Provide Good Gear and Solid Systems
Nobody wants to deal with dodgy tools or messy schedules.
Invest in:
- Top-Notch Equipment: Ensure your team has access to reliable, safe and efficient tools.
- Technology: Using project management apps (like NextMinute) makes life easier for everyone and shows you’re committed to smooth operations.
- Safe Work Practices: Maintain high safety standards to protect your crew.
Providing the right resources shows you're committed to helping your boys (and gals) do their best work.
Wrapping It Up
Keeping a loyal crew doesn’t have to be complicated. Look after your people, build a solid site culture, and show them there’s a future with you. No fancy formulas—just honest ways to build a team that wants to stay.
