Summer can feel like an endless list of projects and problems for landscapers. Despite the challenges, there are ways to help your employees find satisfaction in their work during this intense season.
When you have a full set of projects, it’s tempting to solely focus on finishing tasks and solving problems to meet those deadlines. And while it’s good to hold employees accountable, it becomes easy to correct their mistakes without praising their achievements.
“We’re really good in this industry at jumping on what needs to be fixed, but if that’s all your team ever hears, you’re going to lose them mentally,” says Riley Rivers, owner of Rivers Landscaping, based in Bozeman, Montana. “Every morning during stretches, we take a few minutes to call out wins from the day before. We also have a dedicated Slack channel to highlight team members who go above and beyond, where crew members nominate each other based on our core values.”
Another way to help employees take ownership is by sharing client feedback. Knowing a customer appreciates their work adds more meaning to the daily grind.
Long days will happen, but they should be manageable for the team. As the afternoon wears on, look for small ways to make the day easier for staff.
“Our managers ride around on hot days with Gatorade and ice cream sandwiches to give to the crew,” River says. “It sounds simple, but it tells people you see them out there working hard.”
The schedule also makes a difference. When extreme heat arrives, starting and ending early can reduce common heat ailments, such as stress and dehydration. On other days, have a system in place to finish by a certain time if possible.
“We make it a point to be back at the shop by 4 p.m. whenever we can,” Rivers says. “Nobody wants to be dragging equipment around at 6 o’clock in the summer heat. Protecting that schedule sends a message that we care about our team.”
Some employees may be eager to work six days a week, but most people need time to recharge. Without time off, employees’ work and attitude will suffer.
The type of work also plays a role. As you bring on new employees, learn the strengths of each one and continue leaning on the experience of your long-term staff. The daily workload should challenge them while also being manageable and having clear expectations. Employees will take more pride in their work when they have time to finish it the right way.
“Let them focus on a task they enjoy doing each day (or week if we are crazy busy),” says Shannon Barnette, horticulture manager at the Dawes Arboretum, based in Newark, Ohio. “Some may like pruning plants; others prefer watering. It’s a great way to let them have some control over their day and find some peace during the rigorous work season.”
Employees can also take ownership by establishing personal goals at the start of the season. These can range from learning new skills on the job site to obtaining an applicator license or improving their leadership skills. Check in with them once a quarter to review their progress and adjust the plan as needed. Summer is also a great time for education.
“Take work ‘field trips’ to view other landscapes, gardens, or trade shows,” Barnette says. “These trips show that we invest in our team as we learn from our industry peers.”
Always be open to feedback from staff, especially during the busy season. Whether it’s an idea for a new tool or a better way to be efficient on the job site.
“We decide collectively how we want to tackle each day,” Barnette adds. “It gives more ‘buy-in’ to the team.”
