Curbing Absenteeism
To avoid the potential fordecreased productivity, customer dissatisfaction, overtime costs and reducedmorale, independent tire dealers should consider including an absence policy intheir employee manuals. An absence policy shouldcontain at least the following components: • Valid reasons for absence(medical conditions, doctor’s visits, emergencies, severe weather conditions,voting, funerals, etc.); • Number of non-vacation dayabsences allowed annually without
Background Checks
Doing a background check onpotential employees can be a wise and cost-efficient policy. New hires who havemisrepresented their skills or experience can result in increased trainingtime, dissatisfied customers, and/or inefficiency – all of which can seriouslyimpact business. Replacing unsatisfactory employees is usually more expensivethan the cost of a background check. Establish a background checkpolicy, which
Paying a Fair Price
Why you pay your staff whatyou do? Is it too high, too low or just right for the market? Did you do anyresearch before setting pay levels, or did you just guess? Setting acompensation level is difficult but important because that base level willalways be with the employee as long as he or she works
Avoiding Layoffs
Laying off employees isnever pleasant. In small companies, employees often become close friends or anextension of your family, making staff cuts even harder. Before you have to take sucha drastic step – particularly if workloads can’t be easily shifted – here are afew options to look at first: • Explain the situation toall employees, and
Employee Screening: Uncovering the Best Person for the Job
In today’s ultra-competitive market, one of the most important keys to success is housing a hard-working, qualified staff. Having employees you can rely on gives you the edge over your competitors, as well as some peace of mind. The road to filling any shop or dealership with skilled employees is sometimes a long one with
Shops in Crisis? The Tech Shortage: A Special Report: Part II
In our August issue, we began an in-depth look at an issue that has been described as one of the automotive aftermarket’s biggest hurdles: attracting qualified technicians and preventing an industry-wide shortage that, some insist, is inevitable. While most experts agree that a shortage does exist, it appears to be centered at the highest, most
Shops in Crisis? The Tech Shortage
You’ve heard about it. You’ve read about it. Perhaps you’ve experienced it. It’s ‘The Tech Shortage,’ the most critical personnel issue facing businesses involved in automotive repair, including tire dealers. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Or is it? Facts are facts. Perception is quite another thing. In this two-part series, we will define the
Protect Profits, Avoid Theft By Screening Applicants
Roland Burt, owner of Burt’sTires, had a problem. His latest inventory showed a shortage of $12,000. Burt knew other small-businessowners who ignored employee theft and eventually had to close their businesses. He had his 12 employees completean investigative questionnaire for shortages. Analysis of the questionnairespointed to two employees as the culprits. One of
What Kind of Boss Are You?
Take an honest, good look at yourself, and answer this question: “What kind of boss am I?” Also, ask yourself: “How can I be a better boss?” Your success will depend certainly on whether or not you are tough or kind, managing or responsive, and all the other things that go into being a good
Exit Strategy: Recruiting the Right People Helps Your Business Run on its Own
I meet a lot of tire dealers who want more time for family, friends, hobbies, etc. Even though thousands of U.S. business owners have already discovered how to be absent and still make money, most can’t pull it off. It requires finding good, honest employees, keeping them happy and training them to be as good
Hispanic America: Appreciating the Cultural Uniqueness of Your Hispanic Employees and Customers Just Makes Good Business Sense
Today, 48 million Hispanic people reside in the U.S. – about 17% of the population – and they’re not going anywhere. In fact, experts say that number will grow dramatically. By 2050, 100 million people will trace their ancestry to the Spanish-speaking Latin American and Caribbean worlds. We’re in for some big changes. Unfortunately, history
Brain Drain: Businesses in Pursuit of Educated Employees Still Empty-Handed
Skilled workers will be harder to find next year. Problem is education. Some college or advanced training is needed for about 85% of new jobs, but only 60% of Americans get that far. Businesses need two million more scientists and engineers by 2012, and that will not be met. Why They Stay Workers were asked