Landscape workers are a valuable asset to any landscaping company. They're the experts in the art of landscaping and lawn care. As a business owner, it's important to remember that even your best employees need strong and effective leadership. If you work in a field service industry (like lawn care), one of the most fundamental aspects of running a successful business is knowing how to manage and lead your crew effectively.
Managing landscape workers may require time and experience, but this blog post will discuss some tips to help you manage your crew in the field, regardless of how long you’ve been working in this industry.
Keep different types of crews organized
Landscaping company employees typically work in one of two settings: residential or commercial. Residential crews usually work on homes’ lawns and gardens, while commercial crews are more likely to focus their efforts on maintaining larger areas, like golf courses or large office parks.
In order to get work done efficiently, it’s not advised that you send the same crew for both types of jobs. Handling commercial areas can be assigned to a crew that is larger and comprised of more athletic employees, while residential work requiring specialized services may be assigned to your more experienced and skillful workers.
Communicate clearly with your employees
Effective communication in any workplace is essential. It’s important that your landscape workers stay up-to-date with necessary information. You also need to ensure that they are able to work uninterrupted during the workday.
Workers need to be apprised of crucial information heading out into the field, such as their schedules, additions to their usual duties, information about delays or emergencies, and specific requests from customers.
Effective communication also includes obtaining an estimate of how long a project will take and then communicating with the customer regarding any changes to the schedule.
Stay in contact with your employees while they're working. Regular check-ins not only help your workers stay on task but can also save you time if there's an issue that needs immediate attention.
Utilize technology
If you're managing a growing landscaping business, remember that effective management goes beyond pen and paper. This method has significant limits and will no longer be efficient, as you will be managing more people, tasks, requests, timekeeping data, payroll, and so on. It’s vital that you make use of business-based software to help you manage all of your operations.
Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed before setting up a system. You need to plan ahead and get your technology and software in place now before you're faced with the realities of a larger business. This way, you'll have ample time to experiment and replace any systems as needed as your business grows.
Use field management software
Effective business managers use field management software to help them stay ahead. With just a few clicks, you can stay in contact with your landscape workers all day long without being obtrusive.
Management software can help maximize both your own and your employees' efficiency, as information can be easily accessed by both your office and people in the field. Utilizing this type of software helps ensure that everyone in your company is on the same page at all times.
Make sure you have the right people
Selecting which employees will be part of your team is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make as an employer. These people play an important role in the productivity, efficiency, and overall success of your operations.
Look for applicants who have basic competence and experience in the field, as well as a willingness to learn. Be sure to build a team of like-minded individuals who can blend and work well together.
Hiring landscape employees is an investment, so make sure you bring people on to your team who will be worth it.
Keep things manageable
If you're only starting out with your landscaping business, one of your primary goals includes growing your business into something bigger. With this goal in mind, it can be tempting to say “Yes” to almost anything that comes your way and equates to extra work work and, therefore, more money. But don't take on more than you can handle. Keep things manageable, and growth will eventually follow.
Unexpected turns in business will take place from time to time, and different kinds of challenges will come your way at some point. But if you have a good handle on your workforce and you’re able to manage your landscaping employees’ workers effectively, there won’t be any challenge you won't be able to handle.
Just like your employees, quality landscaping equipment also plays a vital role in the success of your lawn care business. Here at MowMore, we can meet all of your commercial lawn care equipment needs. If you have any questions about your landscaping equipment or replacement parts, feel free to contact us.