Finding good technicians is becoming increasingly difficult. Offering competitive wages and benefits
If you had to identify one commonality between the small “mom-and-pop” alarm companies and the major security firms, look no further than in the classified section of a newspaper or magazine, where dealers ” big and small ” have placed want ads for alarm technicians. Although some independent dealers argue that the “big” national companies are stealing all the good technicians, others believe that it goes both ways.
“It’s always difficult to find good, quality guys, because the assumption is that if they are top quality, their employer is going to hold onto them,” says Ken Jacobs, president of JMG Security Systems, Inc. in Fountain Valley, Calif.
Why are some companies feeling the labor-shortage pinch? As part of Security Sales’ 20th Anniversary Top 20 series of articles, here are 10 reasons why it’s hard to find good technicians and 10 tips on getting a handle on this growing problem.
1. Higher Wages Lure Dealers to Other Companies
2. Technology Changes ‘Specialize’ Profession
3. Techs See Subcontracting as Lucrative Venture
4. Lack of Benefits Offers Little Incentive for Staying
5. Techs Look at Companies With Retirement Plans
6. No Loyalty Means Employees Are Not Valued
7. Heavier Work Loads Create Too Much Stress on Job
8. New Companies May Not Have the Right Connections
9. Fewer Companies Spells Major Shift in Employees
10. Employers Don’t Empower Technicians
Following are 10 more tips on ways to find technicians and reduce turnover.
1. Contact Local, State, National Associations
2. Network With Other Industry Members
3. Place Classifieds in Publications, on the Internet
4. Don’t Trash Old Resumes; You May Need Them Later
5. Offer Competitive Wages to Technicians
6. Good Benefits Packages Draw Good Techs In
7. Positive Reinforcement Strengthens Relations
8. Be Realistic About How Much Work Staff Can Do
9. Investing in Training Is Investing in Your Staff
10. Show Respect, Value Your Employees
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