Building and maintaining a happy and motivated workforce is one of the most challenging tasks faced by modern businesses. With the threat of quality engineers leaving and skilled engineers getting harder to recruit, what’s the answer? Although many may think a pay increase will solve this problem, it’s not necessary the case.
The Engineer* recently reported an increasing number of engineers are actively considering changing jobs from 42% last year, to 47% this year. Most worryingly, given the sector’s widening skills shortage, 10% are considering leaving engineering all together.
One solution that offers to transform workforce dynamics is service management software. Implementing such software can revolutionise the way businesses operate and benefit employees in numerous ways. Bridges Won’t Build Themselves
Communication between the back office and field engineers is essential for smooth operations and job satisfaction. Service management software serves as this bridge, facilitating seamless communication and providing engineers with clear and concise job instructions. This clarity not only saves time but also ensures engineers have the right skills and parts, eliminating unnecessary delays and frustrating situations. Enhanced communication is not just about efficiency; it’s about empowering engineers to deliver exceptional service to customers. With real-time updates and job details at their fingertips, engineers become more responsive, making a significant impact on customer service and overall job performance.
Doing More with Less
The COVID-19 pandemic left many material handling companies with scaled-down operations during this period resulting in a backlog of orders, leaving many companies looking to manage this with new engineers, but finding it difficult to recruit. By automating and optimising scheduling, the software boosts engineer productivity. This increased productivity translates into significant cost savings and allows businesses to fulfil increased capacity demands without the need for additional hiring. By maximising the potential of the existing workforce, companies can achieve growth even in times of talent scarcity.
Improving first-time fix rates (FTFRs) plays a key role in optimising your current engineers, ensuring they possess the necessary parts through accurate parts management. Statistics** show unavailable parts account for 29% of repeats visits. Getting this right not only boosts engineer productivity but also eradicates the frustration endured by both the engineers and customers due to repeat service visits. By completing more jobs first time, engineers increase their availability for additional work, allowing companies to meet increased demand without an immediate need for new hires.
Investing in Your Long-Term Growth
Incorporating service management software is not just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term investment. This shift from monotonous manual paperwork to digital check forms not only improves productivity but also enhances the overall work experience for engineers.
Beyond efficiency gains, service management software also showcases a company’s commitment to its employees’ growth and development. By providing engineers with the latest tools and technologies, businesses can reinforce their sense of value and encourage personal and professional growth. Companies can also use data insights and analytics to identify training opportunities and tailor skill development programs, leading to a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Embracing the latest technology is not just about staying ahead; it’s about nurturing the human element that drives your company’s success. Building a happy workforce is within reach with the right tools and strategies. If you’re struggling to retain your top engineers and can’t understand why, you may want to consider the numerous benefits service management software can offer. Service Geeni can help you build a happier workforce and improve overall efficiencies. Visit our website to learn more: www.servicegeeni.com
Sources:
* The Engineer
** Garner
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