Hardwood Floors April May 2018

BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES

By Stacy Brown

MANAGEMENT

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Fraser

Defying Statistics: Appalachian Engineered Flooring Beats the Odds in Recruiting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce

nature of the work involved in both the manufacturing and installation of wood ooring were cited as some of the top reasons our industry nds recruitment and retention di cult. Companies need to expand and sustain in the face of a rapidly changing economy and skilled, experienced workers are core to this growth. Fortunately, a li le creativity and time investment can give you the competitive edge over other employers who are vying for the top- quality talent you need. Appalachian Engineered Flooring, based in North

di cult to recruit and hire quali ed workers in 2018, up from 76 percent last year. In addition, 78 percent of rms report they currently are having a hard time nding quali ed workers to hire, up from 73 percent at the start of last year. Our industry reported similar challenges during the October 2017 NWFA Industry Outlook survey with 56 percent of respondents reporting problems nding skilled labor. An aging workforce, more high school graduates choosing to pursue a college degree versus entering the trades, as well as the physical

According to a recent joint survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate, 75 percent of construction rms plan to expand their payrolls in 2018 as contractors are optimistic that economic conditions will remain strong as tax rates and regulatory burdens fall. However, recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople are considered by many in the industry as an ongoing challenge. e survey also noted that even as rms expand headcount, an overwhelming majority, 82 percent, of rms expect it will either become harder, or remain

hardwood floors www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com

46