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July 4th is this Wednesday. And as a shop owner, it means that sales may suffer.  But, there is more to life than sales.  Celebrate July 4th; commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence!   Speak with your employees about their plans for the holiday. This will send a message that you care about them as people, and that it’s not always about business.   

With the right attitude, you will build morale and you will make up those sales. And let’s face it; we all need a little time off now and then. 

 

 

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Posted

Very on point Joe, Where I work we actually had the opposite happen. Our service writer has been ill in and out of hospital for months now and now at the point where there is a 99.9% chance he won't return. I have taken over his roll on top of my mechanical duties so making less money since I am commissioned. HeThe owner came up to me yesterday morning after he got there about 10:30 I start at 8 . He asked me if we were working tomorrow the 4th . I told he we have never worked the 4th , he has owned the station about 4 years now. I have been there almost 27 years . He said we have every year , well he had a few back yard guys that came in because they were able to rip customers and pocket money . I told him no way we are closed so he went behind my back and asked the other two guys if they would work they both turned him down.. The end of last week and this week have been horrible extremely hot heat index of 105-110 no a/c no offering from him for breaks or early dismissal . He then comes to me and says to not let anyone have gatorade from the store up front if they want anything they can have water. I told him that was unacceptable we need something to keep us going and water does not have the salts etc we need for this kind of heat. After being in the shop he went back to his a/c office saying it was to hot in the bays.. Then a few hours later a customer came in for a MD inspection , I had been in the heat all day and had a bit to finish up so I told him no. He is an inspector (don't know how he got a license he is not a mechanic by any means) I told him he could do it if he wanted to, his response "it's too hot for me to work in this heat" WOW!!! He just purchased about 30 grand worth of cars from auction for his self 3 top of the line siennas 2013 . So he is no crying he is not making money well this time of year we don't make that much , school just out and the holiday. It just kills me just shows that all his employees are  are robots (slaves) to him , and beneath him. Yes there is a cultural difference he is (Pakistani Muslim ) but we are after all human .. So take care of one another if it hard for you to do something or be in a situation it is probably just as hard for your employees . A happy comfortable employee is going to be more willing to work hard and not make mistakes vs someone that is not appreciated or treated as a lesser of a human being . Everyone have a Safe, fun and relaxing 4th everyone ... HAPPY 4TH !!!!!

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Posted

Your situation is a tough one.  And I am not happy with what I read and read between the lines. I truly hope things improve with you and your shop. 

Every work environment must have high morale and a team atmosphere. I have worked in the shop with 100 plus degree weather along with my techs and it can only be done if everyone has the right attitude and the right leadership. When you have teamwork, high morale and strong leadership, the heat does not affect everyone as much.  With poor morale, no team spirit and no true leader, the heat will kill you. 

 

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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