Hiring strategies are constantly changing. In our current economy, the labor market may be losing steam, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market remains favorable for workers, with a decline in layoffs, increased hiring, and higher rates of voluntary job switches. And today’s job seekers are looking for more than just work; they desire higher pay, flexibility, remote work options, and a sense of community.
Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, highlights the importance of worker leverage, job security, and the ease of switching jobs for better ones. To attract the right candidates to your self-storage facility, it is crucial to cultivate a well-rounded company that goes beyond the scope of work. You need to demonstrate to potential employees why being part of your team is special. Highlight appealing aspects of your company, such as flexible schedules, remote work options, office benefits like lunch delivery, community involvement, and a positive company culture. When hiring employees in today’s economy for your storage facility, consider the following steps and strategies:
Provide a clear and detailed description of the role you are hiring for. Determine the specific positions needed for your self-storage facility, such as facility manager, customer service representative, maintenance staff, or security personnel. Create comprehensive job descriptions for each role, outlining the necessary qualifications, skills, experience, expectations, responsibilities, and any specific requirements like physical fitness or proficiency with relevant software.
Utilize various recruitment channels to attract potential candidates. Advertise your job openings in multiple locations, including industry-specific websites, local classifieds, social media platforms, your website, job boards, job fairs, and professional networks. Encourage your staff to leverage their networks for referrals. Consider establishing partnerships with local colleges or industry associations to tap into talent pools. Another option is to use an online recruiting agencies for your self-storage facility to can find qualified candidates for various positions.
Narrow down your pool of job applicants and conduct phone screen interviews with the top candidates. Phone interviews serve as a preliminary screening, allowing you to ask basic “get to know you” questions, assess their skills and experience, and gauge their interest in the company and position. Select the most promising candidates and invite them for face-to-face interviews at your office. During the interviews, evaluate the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Utilize a mix of behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving abilities and customer service skills.
Before making a final decision, perform background checks and verify employment history. Contact references provided by the candidates and consider running legally compliant background checks through reputable background check companies. Background checks should focus on evaluating the candidate’s suitability for the position, avoiding discrimination based on unrelated factors. For example, traffic violations may be relevant for a truck driving position but not for a marketing position. Checking up with previous employers is also a great way to learn more about your candidate.
Stay informed about wage ranges, especially with minimum wage increases. Conduct three-month reviews to check in with your employees and provide salary bumps if they meet certain criteria. Consider implementing a 401(k)-matching program. Remember that the employees you hire now will shape the future of your business, so it is important to compensate them well. Comply with local labor laws and regulations, including equal employment opportunity laws and minimum wage requirements. Adapt these steps based on your facility’s size and specific needs. Additionally, offering work-life balance, comprehensive insurance packages, and a positive company culture will appeal to a broad range of candidates.
Create a healthy and inclusive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and recognition for outstanding performance. Develop a comprehensive training and onboarding program to familiarize new employees with your facility’s operations, safety protocols, customer service expectations, and any relevant software or equipment. A well-designed employee onboarding process significantly influences the success of new hires within your organization. Encourage a positive work environment where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Address concerns or conflicts promptly and fairly. Implement employee engagement initiatives such as team-building activities, social events, or community volunteering projects to boost morale and strengthen employee relationships.
Now that you have done your due diligence to hire the right person, now it is time to implement strategies to retain your employees. This can include things such as performance-based incentives, career development programs, or opportunities for advancement within your organization. Invest in your employees’ professional development by providing ongoing training and skill-building opportunities. Consider both industry-specific training and general professional development programs. Help your employees acquire new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and enhance their overall effectiveness in their roles.
While this blog post digs into hiring strategies for your self-storage business, another option for you is to use 3rd party management software. In another blog, “Movable Units and Remote Management” we discuss an automated facility management tool. Check out how it can take care of the stress and practical details of managing storage sites.
The process of hiring for a position goes beyond merely filling a vacancy. It requires finding the perfect fit between your business and the individual. Incorporating effective hiring strategies and placing emphasis on employee satisfaction and growth. That way you can have the opportunity to construct a strong team and foster the success of your self-storage business.
About Boxwell
Boxwell manufactures fully customizable, durable, and movable storage solutions for your revenue-generating space. Boxwell’s portable and relocatable self-storage units are produced at Boxwell-owned facilities in the US and China. This diversity in facilities allows for a wide range of products, customizations, quality control, and shortened lead times. They believe in a hands-on approach to business, always ready to roll up their sleeves, jump in, and figure things out. With warranties in place, they stand by their product, no matter what. From the first phone call to the finished installation and onto the next order, every step and detail along the way matters.
Boxwell’s in-house design and engineering team explores innovative technologies, materials, sizes, and features to make their storage solutions the most solid, innovative, and beautiful on the market. Each of Boxwell’s storage units is thoughtfully made to order and built to last. Work with a Boxwell representative to decide your ideal unit mix, custom colors, door configurations and more. Your Boxwell storage units will be shipped flat-packed and assembled fast with just a few dozen nuts, bolts, and basic tools. You will be ready to rent them in no time! Check out boxwell.co or call (303) 317-5850 for more information.
