Keeping Guys Busy

CrazyTaper

Although I am quite busy at the moment, What kind of tactics do you guys use to give guys hours when a slow week comes up. I've had the guys spread mulch in my yard, wash the trucks, mow my grass, plant trees. I'm just the kind of guy to keep them busy so they don't stray. Am I alone?

Magnettica

As an employee, I hate that crap.

Would a doctor work in the cafeteria if their were no patients?

__________________
Electrician service in Rahway, Cranford, Clark, Westfield, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Roselle, Roselle Park, and New Jersey | Same day electrical service and repairs | Licensed and Insured Electrician in Rahway

ruskent

If i ever ran out of work i'd make the guys hang door hangers so we could get some work.

nadonailer

So you'd rather be laid off than have your boss give you some charity work out of his own pocket?
A**hole.....
Oh, by the way, you're not a doctor.....

__________________
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid”.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Meetre

When I was an employee, I liked that my boss gave me the choice of doing odd things for hours or to take the time off un-paid. Some guys will appriciate the hours, others may be offended by having to do the menial tasks. I've also worked on crews that would trade guys to other companies to keep them busy, or help out when the other company was swamped. But, make sure you give them the choice to avoid pissing them off.

__________________
www.meetre.com LinkedIn Facebook Meetre_Newsletter

nap

If I know I am coming back to work for the same company, yes, I would prefer a lay off rather than the tasks you have them do. You could always lay them off and let them collect unemployment and then when things are back and active bring them back in. Granted, you do risk losing them but if they want to work for you, this often works.

Many guys simply do not like doing anything other than what they were hired to do. Unless you are union, there is nothing to prevent you from having them do anything you want though. It is nice you do continue to provide work for them especially since it is coming out or your pocket.

CrazyTaper

My guys like the fact that I can give them a change of pace and scenery for a few days. It's work. If I am paying you $18-$20 an hour CHARITY-you better accept it. One guy told me I'm TOO nice. I guess I have to start acting like an A++hole

nap

Honestly, if you told me this, I would tell you to keep your charity. That is the most condescending statement I have heard in a long time.

and it isn;t charity. They are expected to work for the money, I presume. It is merely different work duties.

CrazyTaper

To make the same wage and work half speed and get outside-What is my other option? Lay them off for 2 days?

CrazyTaper

Maybe I'm not expierienced enough in my trade to line up work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and keep it flowing. Some times contractors need it done NOW and NOT tomorrow. So we work late to get it done. Sorry I'm not you and can have the privledge of having 8 hour days. I am tired of making excuses for my trade and this post was just intended to get some ideas on keeping guys busy , other than laying them off.

CrazyTaper

[quote=nap;431760]Honestly, if you told me this, I would tell you to keep your charity. That is the most condescending statement I have heard in a long time.

and it isn;t charity. They are expected to work for the money, I presume. It is merely different work duties.[/quote
So you would rather sit home and play with yourself than work?

Geoff MRT

I did that last week with my guys. We had a few transition days so we cleaned up my yard for my son's birthday party (25-5 year olds...it was hell) put in the floating docks and generally goofed-off. It is a nice change for them and me. It's almost more of a bonus for them.

HomeSealed

I think the point is that you need to give them the option. It is great that you take your commitment to your guys seriously and are willing to give them "unnecessary" work to keep them busy, but alot of guys would turn it down. By not offering them the choice you are creating major problems. You are resenting them because they dont appreciate the sacrifice that you are making, and they resent you because you think they should be grateful for the opportunity to pick up your dog's sh!t (or whatever menial tasks you are offering). Seriously, I've been on both sides of this issue and it is really a no win. Personally, I'd just lay them off if there is no work (they understand the industry) or at best give them the choice whether to do crap work or be off without pay. I really think you'll be surprised at how often they'll choose to be off (which works out better for both parties)

__________________
milwaukee replacement windows , window replacement milwaukee ,attic insulation milwaukee, blog, roofing contractor milwaukee

CrazyTaper

Thank you. It's almost like a breather for us. I get work done around the yard and they get paid. Everyone wins.

CrazyTaper

Money is money.

Geoff MRT

Take it or leave it...

They always have options.

HomeSealed

As an owner and someone who has had to bust my a$$ get where I am, I agree. Unfortunately, alot of guys dont think the same way. They say, "I signed on to remodel kitchens (or what-have-you) for $18 per hr, not to pick up dog sh!t, or rake leaves, or wash trucks. I'm just saying that you shouldnt be surprised if you have a pi$$ed off crew if you are making them do this kind of stuff and thinking they should be grateful for it.....I cant stress enough how great it is to give them the choice, because 7 times out of ten, they will choose to sit home which saves you money and preserves the attitude of your workforce as much as possible.

__________________
milwaukee replacement windows , window replacement milwaukee ,attic insulation milwaukee, blog, roofing contractor milwaukee

CrazyTaper

Keeping the guys busy during slow periods is a must for me. I feel it shows a dedication on my part to keep them working. Just when I thought I was a good boss, someone has to piss on your parade.

HomeSealed

Nobody's trying to pi$$ on your parade... Alot of guys just dont have thr same work ethic as we used to. You just have to realize that and deal with it accordingly

__________________
milwaukee replacement windows , window replacement milwaukee ,attic insulation milwaukee, blog, roofing contractor milwaukee

CrazyTaper

This is the way I was brought up through the trade from my former boss. I turned out OK, didn't I?