Hardwood Floors October/November 2024

WHAT STRATEGIES HAVE WORKED FOR YOU TO FIND LABOR?

Veilleux, vice president at Floor Systems. “They can buy a nail gun and saw, and they’re suddenly a hardwood floor installer.” Those who have found some success in finding labor have used: • Referrals (the most cited strategy) • Channel partners (suppliers, distributors, retailers, contractors) • Social media • Classifieds/online job postings • Local trade schools • Competitors • Local high schools One member said: “Most of my employees have been with me for 15-20 years, installing and finishing. We pay above market value. That’s how you keep people.” William Burnam, owner of Beautiful Wood Floors, thinks if small businesses could band under one umbrella for greater buying power on benefits like health insurance for team members, it could help attract qualified talent.

54

Referrals

25

Other

24

Through channel partners

22

Social media

19

Classifieds/online postings

14

Local trade schools

10

Local high schools

10

Competitors

8

Advertising/trade publications

5

Local newsletters

5

Job corps

5

Distributor events

2

Skills USA

5%

0%

15%

10%

35%

25%

55%

30%

45%

20%

50%

40%

ARE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH FINDING TALENT BETTER, THE SAME OR WORSE THAN LAST YEAR?

7

BETTER

ABOUT THE SAME

77

16

WORSE

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

51