Finding and keeping a reliable facility maintenance contractor can be time-consuming and frustrating. Chasing down leads and following up on incomplete work probably isn’t something you yearn to do. As a property or business owner, there’s a better than good chance that you have other ways to make each hour and minute of your day more productive.
Unfortunately, it’s becoming tougher each year to locate and retain top-notch contractors that will keep your facility running like a well-oiled machine. This doesn’t have as much to do with technology as it does the industry and job market as a whole.
Why Finding the Best Contractors is Getting Tough
It’s an unfortunate fact that this country is facing a crisis related to a shortage of skilled labor. The Associated General Contractors of America released a survey revealing that 80 percent of U.S. construction firms are having trouble finding qualified workers. Even the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for workers in skilled trades is growing faster than the overall employment growth.
Why is this happening? Most of the reason is perception, but there are several issues. Overwhelmingly, there has been a shift towards the idea that the only way to achieve economic success is by getting a college degree. On top of this, many high schools have eliminated vocational training opportunities and shop classes. Of the people who already worked in skilled trades, some were Baby Boomers who have retired and others were impacted by the Great Recession and chose not to return to that type of work.
Mike Rowe, the former host of “Dirty Jobs,” testified about this before Congress and outlined ways to fill the “skills gap.” Among the initiatives were to provide more training and scholarship programs for this type of work, as well as to change the conversation about opportunity and success.
Until this skills gap gets filled, you’re going to have a tough time finding the best contractors and will be in competition with other businesses for their attention.
The Right Mindset for Attracting Top Contractors
Since supply and demand don’t match up, you’ll have to do something different to attract and keep the best facility maintenance contractor, not just anyone who will answer the phone. Making cost your number one priority probably isn’t going to work. You’ll create better and more lasting partnerships with contractors that know you value quality over cost.
It’s also essential to be a fair and consistent customer. When you consider that many contractors are in high demand, it makes sense that a facilities maintenance contractor will continue work with you if you create a partnership as opposed to acting as a dictator with an endless list of demands.
Partnerships with contractors are a two-way street. If your contractor isn’t service-minded, only performs a single trade, or doesn’t have an actively-involved owner, it might be time to look for someone new. This should be someone who not only wants to keep your business but also see your organization succeed by having a clean and functioning facility.
Owning property and running a business is challenging enough without having to deal with maintenance issues. Being proactive with upkeep and maintenance can save your company time and money long-term, so it makes sense to partner with a facilities maintenance company that is proven and reliable.
ABS Facility Maintenance is proud to provide excellent and reliable facilities maintenance services to businesses and property owners nationwide. Contact us now to find out about our services and learn how we can help you meet your business goals.