Just like any other business with on site employees, an auto repair service works best when its employees are happy.
That’s easy enough to say, but difficult to do, especially in the repair business where the job can be physically exhausting and the work variable from day to day.
While we accept the fact that we signed up for this business, and not an office job, there are a few things you can as a manager do to ensure that your employee are content and motivated, everyday.
So with more than a few years in the business, we’d like to recommend some simple, totally doable steps that you can do today in order to improve employee moral at your vehicle repair or service business…
Set realistic expectations
Often, truck repair technicians do not meet the necessary level of work output because they are unaware of the expectations from them. Make it very clear as to what you expect from them from the very first day. Also ensure that these expectations are based in reality and not something that will make you appear like a tyrant.
Like it or not, our business is a job-type business, and time is money. So if our employees are turning wrenches, we’re not making money. With that in mind, there should be a clear understanding between management and the employees about what is expected from them on a day-to-day basis.
Every morning our shop gathers around our Kanban Board for 15 minutes to discuss what’s on everyone’s minds, what roadblocks they’re running into, and then to discuss what’s on deck for work. This simple regiment at the start of the day helps everyone air any grievances, and aligns everyone – from the shop manager to the mechanics – to a common daily goal.
Don’t Micromanage
Most people hate to be told what to do. Once you laid down the expectations in a clear manner, give them enough freedom to feel like they are contributing something on their own instead of being treated like a mindless machine.
If mistakes are being made then find a respectful and understanding way of correcting it after allowing them some time to fix it on their own.
Conflict Resolution
Occasionally, the technicians will ask you to make accommodation both regarding their actual work as well as regarding other work-related matters such as leaves and work orders.
Don’t respond to these requests and situation just on the basis of your perspective. You might have targets to meet but they should not come at the cost of basic humanity and a concern for a fellow man.
Always consider everything from their perspective as well so you can take the best decision in any given situation. You have to be reasonable within certain limits. Say you have to make a tough choice then do not just impose it on them. Instead, be patient and explain it to them logically.
Most people will understand and feel happy that you at least tried.
Show that you care
The modern workplace can seem like an uncaring and insensitive place and often truck repair technicians will feel like they are being pushed too hard for no apparent reason.
You can avoid that by being a bit more friendly and human in your approach to them. Speak politely and with respect with them and be appreciative of their good work.
Celebrate achievements with them and offer rewards both in the form of praise as well monetary benefits when they do a job well. This will motivate them to do even better the next time
Be available
Truck repair technicians are also human beings and have their needs. You should be available to help them out with those as much as possible.
There could be disputes and workplace altercations on the work floor. Be present to mitigate such situations and to find an amicable solution to any problem. Absentee management is the biggest demotivation for hard workers like truck repair technicians and they feel like they have no reason to give their best.
Take regular rounds of the workspace and interact with them in a manner that does not seem controlling or interferes with their workflow. Have clear lines of communication with them.