Data can be a great resource to have in your business toolbelt. However, having data and ACTING on it are two different things. If you fail to do so, you’re just collecting numbers and that won’t help you get to where you want to be.

You’ll find data everywhere in your dealership. Even your employee feedback should be considered valuable data because it can lead to better satisfaction.

“Attitude and energy! We made an aggressive stance on having positivity here,” said a dealer during a recent conversation. He added that he and his crew protect their time, efficiency and attitude and it has helped tremendously. Not only is this self awareness important for your business to function effectively, it also improve your employee’s experience and keep them more satisfied and engaged.

9 strategies for improving employee satisfaction at your dealership.

• Open Communication – Employees who feel heard are more engaged and committed.

• Recognition & Appreciation – You have to have awareness in this industry. It’s not all about numbers. A simple “thank you” or company-wide recognition for an employee or team of employees means a lot. It also reinforces that management understands and values its employees and their effort.
• Professional Development – Training and investing in your employee’s professional growth is a necessity not a dream! You invest in them, so they invest in your business. Here’s one example of how to reward them for their training from Bernie DeGraw, MRAA Senior Education Developer. For every four hours of training, give them 30 minutes of comp time by issuing a “get out of jail free card” (Yes, like Monopoly!). This shows both respect for them investing in training and for their personal time by rewarding them with an early escape one day. You can actually print off a card and hand them out with a message that reads, “Congrats, you’ve earned 30 minutes of PTO through your training.”
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits – Understand the numbers for the market and positions you have at your dealership. It’s wise to pay fairly and provide solid benefits. So often, loyalty follows.
• Work-Life Balance – Burnout can capture even the best employee. That’s why it’s critical to respect time off and offer flexibility whenever possible. Take care of one another with an “We got your back,” approach.
• Positive Work Environment – Like the quote above, your positivity — even in the face of uncertainty and things outside of your control — works wonders. If culture is everything, don’t let a sour attitude ruin it. Promote teamwork, communication and inclusion to build trust and accountability.
• Leadership Development – Employee training should include management, too! Stronger leadership builds stronger teams, so train your managers (that’s B-level and above).
• Employee Involvement – Let them feel invested in the business by giving then a voice in decision-making. This includes asking for their input and thoughts annually.
• Regular Feedback – Clear, constructive feedback helps employees grow and improves retention.

Need a Blueprint?

Use these strategies as a pathway to building a dealership where people love to work. By the way, you don’t have to do this one alone or feel like you’re on your own little island. If you’re seeking greatness, you must capture your employees’ feedback annually and address their concerns and ideas. With more than 26,000 responses collected, MRAA’s Employee Satisfaction Survey, a valuable part of the MRAA Dealership Certification Program, has created a blueprint for taking action.

To explore MRAA Dealership Certification, contact Stevie Cook today at 763-402-7236.