How to Find (and Keep) Great Workers in a World of Ghosts and No-Shows

Hey Builders and Doers,

Ever feel like finding good help is like searching for a unicorn in a hard hat?

You’re not alone. It seems like everywhere you turn, folks are either too busy to show up or don’t have the skills you need to get the job done right. And when you do find someone who knows their way around a hammer or a pipe wrench, keeping them on board can feel like trying to catch a greased pig!

So, let’s talk about one of the biggest headaches for any blue-collar business owner: finding and keeping skilled workers who don’t disappear faster than your last paycheck. We’ve got some ideas to help you turn this around and build a crew that sticks like duct tape on a busted hose.

1. Rethink Where You’re Looking for Talent

If you’re still posting “Help Wanted” ads on that same old job board, it might be time to switch things up. Go where the skilled workers are hanging out! Think local trade schools, community colleges, or even veterans’ groups. Get involved with community events or host your own open house to meet folks who might be a good fit.

And don’t forget the power of referrals! Ask your current crew if they know anyone looking for work. Offer a little something extra—like a referral bonus—if they bring in someone solid. People tend to trust their buddies more than an ad, and if your team loves working for you, they’ll bring in others who’ll feel the same.

2. Sell the Job Like You Mean It

Let’s be honest: not everyone dreams of slinging drywall or unclogging toilets, but there are folks who genuinely enjoy the work and take pride in it. Your job is to find them—and make your business the best place to do it.

When you’re looking for new hires, don’t just list the job requirements. Sell the benefits! Talk about what makes working for you better than the rest. Do you offer competitive pay? Paid training? A path to advancement? How about a crew that’s more like a family than a workplace? Make it clear that you’re not just offering a job—you’re offering a chance to be part of something bigger.

3. Create a Culture They Won’t Want to Leave

Finding great workers is hard enough, but keeping them? That’s the real trick. And it’s all about creating a culture that makes them want to stay. Think about what makes you excited to come to work every day. Is it the camaraderie, the satisfaction of a job well done, or maybe those donuts on Friday morning?

Build a culture that shows you value your crew. Celebrate their wins, whether that’s finishing a big project ahead of schedule or getting a 5-star review from a happy customer. Host regular team events—barbecues, fishing trips, or even just grabbing a beer after work. Let them know they’re not just another pair of hands; they’re part of the team.

4. Invest in Their Growth

Here’s the deal: most people don’t want to stay in the same job, doing the same thing, forever. They want to grow, learn, and feel like they’re moving forward. If you’re not giving them opportunities to do that, don’t be surprised if they start looking elsewhere.

Offer training programs, pay for certifications, or even just give them a chance to learn from the more experienced members of your crew. Show them that you care about their growth—not just your bottom line. When they see that you’re invested in their future, they’ll be more likely to stick around for the long haul.

5. Pay Fairly and Promptly

Let’s get down to brass tacks: Pay matters. If you want to attract and keep good workers, you’ve got to pay them what they’re worth—and make sure they get that pay on time, every time. Nothing sends a worker packing faster than a late paycheck or a pay rate that feels like an insult.

Be upfront about pay from the start, and make sure you’re competitive. It doesn’t always have to be the highest wage in town, but it should reflect their skills and the value they bring to your business. And if you can’t afford top dollar, make up for it in other ways—like bonuses, perks, or a killer work environment.

6. Keep Communication Open and Honest

Nobody likes working in a place where they feel like mushrooms—kept in the dark and fed…well, you know the saying. Keep communication open and honest. Let your crew know what’s going on with the business, what challenges you’re facing, and how they can help.

Ask for their feedback, and actually listen. If they’ve got good ideas, act on them. This makes them feel valued and keeps them engaged with the work.

7. Be Flexible When You Can

Life happens, and sometimes your crew needs a little flexibility—whether that’s time off to handle personal stuff or some leeway on the job. When you show understanding and flexibility, you build loyalty. And a loyal crew is one that sticks around.

Putting it all together

Finding and keeping skilled workers might feel like a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be. By changing where you look, selling the job better, building a strong culture, and investing in your crew, you can turn that revolving door into a solid team.

Keep hammering away,

The Blue Collar Build Team