10 Ways to Appreciate Your HVAC Techs

HVAC technicians are vital members of any community. They install, maintain, and repair integral systems in many different (and harsh) environments to make sure homeowners and businesses run optimally…especially on the hottest and coldest days of the year. They’re the face of HVAC companies and have a direct impact on customer relationships.

HVAC Techs Don’t Have it Easy

HVAC work isn’t a walk in the park. It can be a stressful job that requires long and irregular hours, nervous clients, heavy lifting, and a number of physical risks. It’s no surprise that many HVAC techs feel underappreciated.

What can you do to make sure your HVAC techs feel appreciated and more engaged with their work – and not just on HVAC Tech Day?

Why Recognition Matters for HVAC Workers

Companies with a high degree of employee recognition have employees that are more productive, stay around longer, and feel better about their work life.

“I believe if you don’t recognize the efforts and sacrifices that the employees make, you’re doing a huge disservice to them. They sacrifice a lot to serve the customer when the customer needs service — bottom line.” – Paul Sammataro, president of Samm’s Heating and Air Conditioning

In honor of National HVAC Tech Day (June 22nd), here’s a list of ways to appreciate your HVAC techs.

Ways to Appreciate your HVAC Techs

1. Share a Handwritten Card

Handwritten cards of appreciation are a unique way to show your techs that you care. Written cards, unlike emails, are able to express a special level of gratitude that’s rare to see nowadays. Every note shared can make a difference, and many people keep them for years.

2. Provide Professional Development Classes

HVAC techs love learning!

Sponsoring and hosting the right kind of training can be a great way to show appreciation to your team while also increasing the skills of individuals. Search for ways to educate your team on relevant topics than can help them excel in their career or offer a stipend to those interested in enrolling in professional courses.

3. Present Gift Cards for Local Stores and Restaurants

Everyone’s got their favorite local establishments. Give your team another reason to support your neighbors by presenting them with gift cards to a local store or restaurant.

4. Bring Morning Coffee

Starting a big job in the morning can be a drag. Coffee is a great way for many techs to start the day, and giving your team fresh java won’t go unnoticed.

Want to take it a step further? Equip your team with custom thermoses so they can enjoy their beverages even longer.

5. Throw a Staff BBQ

After-work or weekend barbecues can be a great way to bring your techs (and their families) together in a low pressure atmosphere. They can be great opportunities to encourage positive team interactions and give everyone a place to learn something new about each other and relax.

6. Hire a Masseuse

HVAC technicians have a very physically demanding job. Whether it’s replacing a furnace, navigating crawlspaces, removing an old AC unit, or upgrading solar panels, this kind of work is taxing. Bringing in a professional masseuse can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

7. Give Company Swag

Gifting company-branded swag can be a great way to share pride in your company and equip your team with useful gear. Think about giving your technicians hats, sunglasses, gloves and even tools with the company logo. Make sure to match items with your team’s culture.

8. Hand Out Day Packs

You never know what to expect at a new job. Give your techs a leg up by sharing a day pack including a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, aspirin, and a flashlight. Think about packing it with gifts HVAC tech will love. You can also share these with new techs to welcome them to the team!

9. Sponsor a Team Mini Golf Outing

When the weather’s nice, don’t forget about your local putt-putt course. Find out who’s the secret scratch mini-golfer on your team. It’s easy to get the hang of and low pressure, so everyone can join in.

10. Use an Employee Recognition Platform

Using an employee recognition program can be an easy and effective way to appreciate your team without any administration. These kind of programs empower teams to celebrate success within a team, work toward important goals, and reinforce company values through apps available for mobile devices, tablets, and computers.

Many have the option to redeem points for gift cards, donations, or custom rewards.

Appreciate Your HVAC Techs

Recognition won’t fix every problem out there, but it’s a great start for any company. Exhaustion and burnout can be a real problem in the HVAC industry, and if you’re looking to level up your company culture, we invite you to take a closer look at how recognition can help your team.

Hopefully this list has inspired you to try something new in your organization. What other ideas do you have?

Still have questions? Ask an HVAC expert directly via chat or phone.

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