It’s no secret that contracting industries, including roofing, struggle to find qualified help.
During the past several years, labor shortages have slowed industry growth and overall economic growth, as reported by the New York Times.
As Todd Bingham, president of the Utah Manufacturers Association, said in that article:
“3.1 percent unemployment is fabulous unless you’re looking to hire people. Our companies are saying, ‘We could grow faster, we could produce more product, if we had the workers,’” he said. “Is it holding the economy back? I think it definitely is.”
Innovative roofing companies like those highlighted in this article are fighting the trend by raising wages. But there’s another option: using roofing software.
Roofing software effectively can be more helpful than you might think when it comes to attracting and keeping capable roofing employees. The best roofing software can streamline operations, boost profits, and provide vital features to help roofing businesses thrive in a competitive landscape. Here are several reasons why.
The Importance of Qualified Employees in Roofing
Qualified employees are the backbone of any successful roofing business. They bring the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to complete roofing jobs efficiently and effectively. A qualified roofer ensures that each project is executed correctly, safely, and on time, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, skilled employees help reduce labor costs and material waste, directly impacting the overall profitability of the business.
In the roofing industry, the demand for qualified employees is high. Many roofing contractors face challenges in finding and retaining skilled workers, which can result in project delays and increased costs. To attract and retain top talent, roofing businesses must offer competitive wages, benefits, and training opportunities. Additionally, creating a safe and supportive work environment that fosters employee growth and development is crucial. By investing in their workforce, roofing companies can build a strong, reliable team that drives business success.
Challenges in Attracting Qualified Roofing Employees
Attracting qualified roofing employees presents several challenges. One significant hurdle is the physical demands of the job, which can be unappealing to some individuals. Additionally, the roofing industry often suffers from a perception problem, being viewed as unskilled or unglamorous, making it difficult to attract top talent.
Another challenge is the lack of formal training and development opportunities within the industry. Many roofing contractors do not offer structured training programs, making it hard for new employees to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the industry is frequently characterized by low wages and limited benefits, which can deter potential employees from pursuing a career in roofing.
To overcome these challenges, roofing businesses must be proactive in their approach to attracting and retaining qualified employees. Offering competitive wages and benefits, providing training and development opportunities, and creating a safe and supportive work environment are essential steps. Additionally, promoting the roofing industry as a viable and rewarding career path can help attract top talent and change the industry’s perception.
4 Ways Roofing Software Attracts Top Roofing Contractors
1. Evolving Expectations
Millennials and others have grown up with technology, so it makes sense that they would want to work with it when it makes sense to.
That means, even in a hands-on, physical labor-centric industry like roofing, these workers understand that technology makes their jobs more enjoyable. Roofing apps can enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of roofing contractors by integrating with existing tools to streamline operations, manage projects, and improve customer communication.
These workers want to use technology to manage communication, estimates, photo documentation, customer notes, ordering, and many other tasks that support their onsite physical work.
So, if you’re having trouble connecting with entry-level labor, maybe part of the answer is to get connected! Find a roofing software solution that is cloud-integrated and mobile, not just something your office team uses.
2. Better Labor Retention and Lower Labor Costs
Without a roofing software solution, you may be missing out on ways to support your current employees. A roofing app can enhance operational efficiency with features like GPS tracking, automated clock-in, and integrated communication tools.
Roofing software tools empower both your current and future teams to interact on common ground, creating a better environment. You’ll retain a stronger and more cohesive team since your organization’s office and field teams will be more in sync.
Finally, you’ll also strengthen relationships between your veteran workers and your newest hires.
Some leaders worry that introducing technology might have the opposite effect—overwhelming loyal employees who like the way things are. But keep in mind that a good roofing software tool should be built intuitively enough that your workers immediately feel its benefits.
For any gaps, the roofing software company should offer training options to overcome any learning curves.
Check out this article about getting your team to use roofing software if you want extra tips for getting your team to use roofing software.
3. Better Productivity
It’s not only about what your prospective workers are looking for, though it might feel that way during a labor shortage!
Roofing software is a win-win, boosting your roofing company’s output. For starters, the right CRM and project management tool will boost your team’s communication, follow-through, organization, workflow management, and general effectiveness–especially with strategic integrations with other software you may use, like QuickBooks. Effective job site management is enhanced with features like real-time GPS tracking to monitor employees’ locations and facilitate efficient operations.
All of that can definitely help your bottom line! No more time and energy lost on repetitive tasks or disconnects. In other words, this is about streamlining, not complicating your team’s tasks.
Make sure your roofers have a tool that helps them handle odds and ends: an integrated mobile and desktop project management and customer relationship management software solution. That way, they’ll stay more focused on roofing jobs.
4. Better Customer Care and Retention
Finally, as you well know, what’s good for your prospective employees, your team, and your company is also good for your customers.
It’s important to create predictable and systemized results for your customers, and that’s what roofing software is really good at managing roofing projects.
From sales to implementation, roofing software helps you consistently track follow-up calls, automate busywork, and navigate the days ahead thanks to reporting tools!
Key Features of Roofing Software
Roofing software is designed to help roofing contractors manage their business more efficiently and effectively. Some of the key features of roofing software like Jon include:
Job Management: Roofing software allows contractors to manage their jobs from start to finish, including scheduling, estimating, and invoicing. This ensures that all aspects of a project are tracked and managed efficiently.
Customer Management: A centralized database for customer information, including contact details, job history, and payment records, helps contractors maintain strong relationships with their clients.
Estimating and Quoting: Roofing software enables contractors to create accurate estimates and quotes, factoring in material costs and labor costs. This helps in providing transparent and precise pricing to customers.
Payment Processing: Secure and efficient payment processing, including credit card processing and online payments, streamlines the financial transactions and ensures timely payments.
Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reports and analytics on job profitability, customer satisfaction, and employee performance provide valuable insights for business improvement.
When choosing roofing software, contractors should consider factors such as ease of use, customization, integration with other business systems, and the level of support offered by the software provider. These features ensure that the software meets the specific needs of the business and enhances overall efficiency.
Keep the Momentum Building
With a roofing software-supported company, you’ll create an edge that others can feel. It’s about growing a company culture that is consistent, focused, and relatable. We’d love to help you build and continue that kind of momentum.
As the makers of an industry-leading, cloud-integrated CRM and project management solution, we know a tool like ours can help you win and keep more employees as well as customers. Check out our free 14-day trial today.
