Why Appreciation Matters in the Trades (and How to Do It Well)
Just like every other industry, employee appreciation in skilled trades is essential. Employees and supervisors in the trades need to know that their work is seen, respected, and valued. And, like many other sectors today, one of the most urgent challenges is the ability to find and keep qualified team members.
When we first launched our Appreciation at Work resources, we weren’t sure how they would be received in more physically demanding careers fields like construction, law enforcement, and manufacturing. To our delight, we found that not only were the resources well received, but they were embraced.
A Warm Reception in Tough Environments
Those working in the skilled trades have repeatedly told us how much they value the practicality of our tools. Many electricians, roofers, and irrigation techs have integrated the concepts into their daily work to create a positive work environment. A feature article in the New York Times about our work with miners highlighted our efforts in the trades.
We’ve learned through feedback, interviews, and direct observation that while the workplace dynamics may vary, the human need for appreciation does not. Similar to our other industry-specific versions of the inventory, we adjust terms used to make them relevant to the industry.
Tailoring Appreciation to Fit the Jobsite
Workplaces in the trades look different from office settings, so we adapted our tools accordingly. Instead of talking about managers and departments, the Trades Version of the Motivating by Appreciation Inventory uses relevant terms like foreman, crew leader, and job site.
Appreciation it’s about being real and relevant.
We’ve researched and gotten feedback from a wide range of trades professionals and developed appreciation action items desired by those who work in trade professions, like:
- Acts of Service: “Help clean up the job site at the end of the day.”
- Quality Time: “Come hang out with me and the crew over lunch.”
- Words of Affirmation: “Give our whole team a shout-out when we hit our targets.”
- Tangible Gifts: “Let me knock off early after pushing hard to finish a big project.”
These simple but meaningful gestures reinforce the message: You matter. I see what you’re doing. I value who you are.
What People in the Trades Are Saying
We’ve seen growing traction among professionals in HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, roofing, painting, and beyond. The Trades Version of the MBA Inventory is now a go-to tool for contractors and team leaders looking to reduce employee turnover in construction and improve their team’s daily experience.
And we get positive reports from our customers:
“Encouraging and supporting team members who work in the construction trade is clearly needed more than ever. The Motivating by Appreciation Inventory provides helpful information in learning more about those on your team—how they are motivated and what makes them feel appreciated—so you can keep them and reduce the turnover that is such a challenge today.”
— Aaron Weaver, NW Arkansas Regional Sales Manager, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
“This Trades version is useful with craftsmen because it gives you the specific actions that each team member desires, so you don’t waste time and energy doing actions that aren’t important to them.”
— Russ Campbell, President and Owner, Lighthouse Properties of Wichita
A Tool That Delivers Results
Like all our industry-specific versions, the Trades Inventory offers Group Summary Reports. These help leaders and colleagues understand how to encourage one another meaningfully—regardless of role or rank. From apprentice to project manager, everyone benefits.
If you’re looking for retention strategies for tradespeople, this is a simple, evidence-based starting point. Unlike costly training programs that often miss the mark, our approach gets right to the heart of the matter: helping team members feel valued as people, not just as workers.
Share the Word and Help Others Build a Better Culture
If you, a family member or someone in your network works in the trades—or runs a company that employs tradespeople—pass this along. Let them know there’s a tool built specifically for them.
The Trades Version of the Motivating by Appreciation Inventory can help their business not just retain talent but become the place people want to work. Then, they will have a tool to help them keep their employees and draw new team members as “the company” to work for! To order codes or learn more, follow this link. AND, from now until May 31, enter the code TRADES20 at check out and receive 20% off codes for the Trades version of our MBAI!
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Categories 5 Languages of Appreciation, Appreciation, Managing By Appreciation, MBA Inventory, Workplace Culture
