5 Ways to Mitigate Risk during the Busy Season

With summer fast approaching and home sales showing signs of improvement (crossing our fingers), the moving season is in full swing and it's time to prepare for an increase in workload. While we all welcome the surge in business, let’s not forget that more work being done equals more chance for mistakes—and mistakes cost money. Following are five ways moving and storage companies can keep risk to a minimum in order to fully capitalize on the busy season:

1. Hire responsible helpers. In beefing up your crews for the busy season, don’t forget to do some careful screening of your applicants. Check on referrals, and ask questions about the applicant’s work experience, ethic, and attention to detail. If your primary source of labor is local college students, don’t be shy to ask for grades. Remember, you’re looking for brains as well as brawn.
2. Don’t breeze through the training. You want to get your new help out in the field just as much as they’d like to avoid watching hours of instructional videos. Make sure your program keeps the attention of your trainees by mixing in some hands-on tests in the warehouse in between lessons. The faster your helpers pick up proper techniques, the less chance there is that they’ll make mistakes handling your customers’ belongings.
3. Keep your crews healthy and happy. Mistakes happen when people are tired, overworked, or unsatisfied with their jobs. Make sure your summer crew is well-aware of the importance of hydration, taking appropriate breaks, and on-the-job safety. Keep your employees happy by showing your appreciation for all their hard work by scheduling a summer barbecue or two.
4. Reward attention to safety. Research shows that small rewards can go a long way. Hold monthly competitions for safety standards and give the winner a gift card, or other fun prize.
5. Keep the bar high. It is often easy to passively allow guidelines and regulations to loosen—especially when your crew is working longer, harder days.Set and keep the bar high, by communicating high expectations regularly.

What other tips or best practices do you have for keeping risk to a minimum during peak season?