Reducing Employee Turnover in Labor-Based Industries: 5 Strategies for Blue-Collar Retention

Employee turnover is a problem in “blue-collar” industries like construction, agriculture and manufacturing. It’s now a fact that there is a shortage of blue-collar employees in the US, which makes it difficult for these industries to recruit blue-collar staff. You’ll want to do everything you can to reduce worker turnover so that your business is able to meet its goals and function efficiently. We’ll look at some tips that will help you keep your blue-collar employees:

1. Provide Better Benefits and Higher Pay

Blue-collar workers are more likely to quit their jobs if they find better-paying jobs that offer additional benefits. Many employees, including office workers and professionals, quit their jobs because they found better opportunities. If you don’t pay your employees competitive salaries, they will likely find another company or business that is. Do your research to see what other companies in similar industries are paying their employees. Then, match that salary or offer benefits like better health care compensation and allowances.

2. Hire the Right People for the Job

Sometimes, it’s not the pay that matters, but rather the workers. You should improve your recruitment process or hire through an agency to meet your staffing needs in the construction, manufacturing, or recycling industries. Some workers will jump at any job they see, regardless of their schedule or physical limitations. Hire qualified employees for the job. They’re more likely to stay if they can do what is asked.

3. Improve Work Conditions and Maintain Safety

If workers feel unsafe or uncared for in their workplace, they are likely to quit. Even though blue-collar workers are accustomed to high turnover, this does not mean they should be treated as replaceable and forced to work in substandard conditions. Allow your workers to have breaks, invest in better protective gear, and provide them with easy access to water. You can provide break rooms and lounge areas to allow workers to cool down after working in the heat or near noisy machinery.

4. Promote Employees and Offer Growth Opportunities

Workers who have been in the same job or position for a long time may start to believe that they will be stuck there for life and begin looking for jobs that offer career advancement. Your company should provide a career path for your blue-collar workers to show them that they are able to work their way to higher positions and earn more money. If possible, try to promote your current employees before you hire externally. You may discover that they are capable.

5. Work With a Trusted Staffing Company

It is inevitable that turnovers will occur in jobs based on labor, such as in the construction and manufacturing industries, waste and recycling, or the waste and recycling industry. It’s important to work with a staffing company that can quickly and efficiently meet your manpower needs by providing trained and qualified staff. If you work in waste management, for example, look for a staffing firm that specializes in recycling industry staffing so that your operations can continue despite staff turnover.

These simple tips can help you retain employees in blue-collar jobs. It’s best to plan ahead and be ready for turnovers. This can be done by improving your recruitment processes or partnering with a manpower company.