by Mitchell 1 Staff

Is your auto repair business facing a shortage of skilled technicians? You’re not alone. With the labor shortage, it’s essential to learn how to retain technicians for ensuring your shop’s success. As fewer people enter the industry and seasoned techs retire, filling positions is becoming more and more challenging.

As with any recruitment/hiring process, when a tenured team member leaves, their replacement needs time to train and get up to speed. A technician retention strategy is the ideal solution to minimize the impact of the labor shortage – and it starts with smart hiring.

Smart Hiring: The Key to Retaining Technicians

Not everyone is an expert on how to retain technicians, but we all know it’s much more cost-effective than recruiting and training new ones. We also know repair technicians can leave us anytime for many reasons. While interviewing prospective technicians isn’t a favorite activity for busy shop owners, it’s critical to adopt a consistent and effective hiring process.

The process should identify your applicant’s essential skills and other attributes to ensure they are a qualified hire. However, it must go both ways. Candidates must clearly understand your job expectations, pay, benefits and shop culture. The more in-depth the hiring process, the more likely you and your new technician will have a successful working relationship.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits Are Essential

Every shop owner knows that attractive wages can entice applicants and retain technicians. However, a technician’s salary is only the start. Conventional benefits like insurance, vacation time and performance bonuses should also be part of the package.

Once onboard, shop lunches, gift cards, tool allowances and other perks go a long way toward retaining technicians. Even seemingly minor things like shop uniform styles, employee-only restrooms, snacks and bottled water can have a major impact on hiring and keeping technicians.

The Best Technicians Work at the Best Shops

Your technicians deserve a safe and professional working environment, along with the best auto repair tools. Having tools and equipment readily available and well-maintained can really boost motivation and focus. Scanners, shop Wi-Fi, on-demand OEM repair information and specialty tools are must-haves for modern auto repairs.

• Efficient Management Processes: Having efficient shop management and workflow processes are the hallmark of a quality auto repair business. The focus on quality creates an environment that attracts and retains the best technicians.
• A Clean, Organized Shop: A clean and organized auto repair shop is essential for attracting and retaining skilled technicians. It sets a professional tone while making it easier for technicians to get their work done efficiently.
• Safe Working Conditions: When your shop is free from hazards, it not only keeps your team safe but also shows that you value their well-being and job satisfaction. Skilled technicians want to work in an environment where their safety is a priority; and let’s not forget about respect for their time and efforts.

Having a well-organized, clean and safe shop environment speaks volumes – it creates a positive vibe to foster loyalty and retention. So, investing in your shop environment isn’t just about attracting top talent; it’s about keeping them around for the long haul to ensure the success of your business.

Technician Retention Means Technician Development

Technician shortages, coupled with continuous vehicle innovations, create a double dilemma. Shop owners must address the gap between advanced vehicles and the high-level skills required to repair them. Fortunately, you can help fill the labor and skill gaps with sophisticated vehicle repair information and shop management software.

Cutting-edge repair information software like ProDemand and TruckSeries can attract tech-savvy aspiring technicians with up-to-date repair, diagnostic and estimating information. Vehicle repair software can also speed up new hire training and help tenured technicians develop the skills needed for modern auto repair.

In addition, shop management software like Manager SE and Manager SE Truck Edition gives you full visibility into each aspect of your shop so you can run your business at maximum efficiency. The software streamlines workflow – replacing pen and paper processes with automation for activities like managing technician assignments or conducting mobile digital inspections.

When your shop invests in technology that enhances technician development and makes their job easier, it positively impacts technician job satisfaction, customers and your bottom line.

Recognize, Reward and Repeat

Understanding how to keep technicians motivated and feeling appreciated makes your shop a better place to work. We all want to be recognized for our achievements, and most wouldn’t mind a reward! Recognition and rewards can be one of the most potent ways to bolster job satisfaction.

The rewards and the contributions don’t need to be particularly extravagant – whether congratulating your employee for a job well done or learning something new, there are many ways to show appreciation. Public or private recognition, work anniversary plaques, and a monetary bonus are all welcomed rewards. No matter the scenario, always take note and reward technicians for their contributions.

Empower Technicians With Engagement & Transparency

Experienced technicians know what it takes to increase your shop’s productivity. Encourage feedback from your team and ensure they understand how integral they are to your business success. Adopting open-book management is a proven way to engage technicians and help them understand their role in your business strategy.

Share your shop’s goals and business performance with data that can be captured with powerful business reports in Manager SE. The shop management software includes over 180 integrated reports that provide data on total sales, average RO amount, invoice profit summaries and more, which can be plotted by day, week, month and year for your convenience.

This level of transparency with employees can increase loyalty, productivity and technician satisfaction. Most of all, it gives your technicians a clear picture of how they fit into the process.

Build Long-Term Relationships With Your Technicians

Most technicians want a safe and productive workplace, job security and a good paycheck. However, many want and need a sense of belonging and appreciation. Showing respect, actively listening to feedback and sincere interest in your repair technicians’ well-being will set your shop apart. Quarterly one-on-one discussions with technicians can be a powerful relationship builder. The feedback you receive will help improve your business and keep technicians happy.

When technician retention becomes integral to your culture, you lay a foundation for business growth and increased employee loyalty. Building relationships and showing appreciation are key ingredients for keeping your technicians happy and sticking around, which is crucial for the future success of your shop. That’s where Mitchell 1 comes in – we offer tools and knowledge that empower technicians and help your repair shop tackle whatever challenges come its way.