Key Takeaways
- The roofing industry faces a talent gap as veterans retire, necessitating effective training for new hires.
- Key training techniques include leveraging digital native skills, contextualizing with real data, and modernizing for retention.
- AccuLynx streamlines the coaching process by providing a digital environment that aligns with the skills of the new generation.
The roofing industry is reaching a turning point as seasoned veterans retire at an increasing rate. With a new, less experienced generation of talent entering the workforce, a gap in field knowledge and differences in working styles has grown. To bridge these gaps, experienced roofing contractors must support the younger generation of contractors not only through effective training programs, but also by aligning more closely to their digitally-native working styles.
Here are eight considerations experienced roofing contractors should keep in mind to help your new hires become experts quickly:
#1: Leverage their tech knowledge
While the new generation might be unfamiliar with industry specifics, they are digital natives. Because they are heavily reliant on technology, the younger generation is less effective when it comes to carrying out highly manual tasks. They understand and expect to leverage automation in their day-to-day operations. Having these tools in place is an easy way to set your new hires up for success. Likewise, leveraging their knowledge and expertise helps ensure you are getting the most from your technology investments in the long run.
#2: Utilize mobile checklists
When learning the complexities of an unfamiliar industry, it’s easy for new hires to make mistakes. Mobile technology makes it easier to manage new hires without needing to be physically present to walk them through every step. For example, managers can use AccuLynx’s mobile Crew App to share work orders and assign tasks for employees in the field. The mobile Crew App not only makes it easier to provide clear direction, but it also takes the stress of monitoring new hires off your hands. By consistently following digital checklists, the correct procedures become second nature. This repetition builds the technical habits necessary to transform a new hire into an experienced professional.
#3: Walk through past projects
Seeing the intricate details of a project helps new hires understand its bigger picture. One of the most effective roofing professional coaching methods is reviewing actual project data. Roofing-specific CRMs like AccuLynx make it easier to review past jobs with new employees. AccuLynx breaks down important aspects of a roofing job, like material costs, labor expenses, and profits, in an easy-to-understand framework. When new hires see this data, they can better understand the entire workflow of a project, turning them into efficient team members.
#4: Coach the team on customer service
In the modern market, roofing companies are not just judged by the work they do, but also by the way they communicate with homeowners. Coaching the new generation of roofing professionals includes informing them of how to communicate with homeowners during a project. Train your employees to act professional, maintain an organized job site, and use email and text automations to keep homeowners in the loop about the status of their project. Teaching your employees the importance of professionalism helps them deliver a better customer experience, ultimately leading to positive reviews.
#5: Create a judgment-free environment
Many employees feel discouraged from asking questions at work, so cultivating an environment that welcomes curiosity is essential. This is especially important for roofing companies using technology. Though the younger generation is more familiar with technology, they may still have questions when learning new systems. This is further complicated if you’re using a collection of different or disconnected applications. Streamlined tech stacks and user-friendly systems make it easier to set employees up for success.
#6: Focus on career growth
Employees want to work for companies that offer advancement opportunities. To effectively coach the new generation of roofing professionals, ask them about their long-term goals and give them opportunities to reach them. You can use a digital system that allows new hires to see the entire lifecycle of a project to achieve this. This visibility makes it easier for them to learn new parts of the business and helps expedite their transition into higher-level roles.
#7: Create mentorship programs
When veterans retire, their knowledge should not leave with them. Without proper guidance, new hires may not be able to thrive. Creating a formal mentorship program is a great way to set new hires up for success by making sure a veteran’s knowledge is passed down. Assign new hires a mentor who can document their progress and further their familiarity with the industry as time goes on.
#8: Lead with company values
New recruits want to work for companies whose values align with their own. In particular, 54% of US employees would willingly take a pay cut to work at a company that shared their values, and 56% wouldn’t even consider a job at a company that did not share their values. Weaving your company’s mission into your coaching will instill a sense of purpose in new hires that keeps them driven.
Run your business with cutting-edge technology
The new generation is looking for companies that are constantly progressing with the latest technology, and they will be less likely to work for companies drowning in paperwork. In fact, 70% of Gen Z employees would switch jobs if offered better technology, stressing the importance of adapting your business to a digital model.
As time goes on, younger workers will continue to replace industry veterans, and your coaching methods will play a crucial part in retaining them. By combining a coaching mindset and an all-in-one platform like AccuLynx, you can quickly build a new, successful team. If you’d like to see how you can leverage technology to help new hires succeed, schedule a custom demo of AccuLynx today.
