Hiring a professional staff
Keeping your employees
Continuing to motivate your crew can be challenging. But unless you focus on employee retention, you may experience turnover, which can be costly and have a huge effect on productivity. One way that you can motivate your staff is to provide an environment that promotes learning, both on the course and off. Employee retention for a golf course crew may be particularly challenging due to the seasonal nature of golf in many areas of the country. Many golf courses not only have year-round full time and seasonal positions; they also hire part time staff year-round and seasonally.
Many crewmembers work year after year for the same course, full time during the golf season. Good wages, a fair working environment, on-going training, and a sense of belonging contribute to an employee’s dedication. In addition to enhancing a staff member’s knowledge and self-esteem through continued professional development, investing in continued education can provide savings and benefits far beyond the original cost.
Training reduces employee accident rates, which should lower insurance premiums. Some golf facilities have lowered their insurance premiums by 50 percent by training, which results in fewer workers’ compensation claims. Training also:
- Reduces risks from chemical exposures and other accidents.
- Minimizes turf damage from inaccurate chemical application.
- Lengthens the life of equipment and promotes better care by employees.
- Promotes awareness of changes in technologies.
- Provides experts to teach proven techniques.
For training opportunities for your staff, review GCSAA’s regional seminar schedule, Golf Industry Show opportunities, correspondence courses and webcasts, books and videos. Your local community colleges and vocational-technical schools may also offer appropriate classes. Be sure you get your employees involved in setting goals for their own professional development by researching and helping to select appropriate training courses. As an employer, your role is to support your employees in their endeavors financially and by allowing them the time off to participate in continuing education.
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