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The HR Guy on Torsion Talk
20 December 2022
The H.R. Guy discusses onboarding, company culture, and more!
The Big Picture Consulting is known for working with the Trades, especially Heating & Cooling, Plumbers, and Electricians.
But there are many, many other residential contractors who face the same challenges these industries face, and who just don't fit the mold for standard HR consulting companies. Think company truck policies, concerns with how employees represent the brand in customers' homes, hazardous materials handling, and other topics that don't quite
fall into the Construction category, but certainly don't fit the standard office environment.
The Big Picture Consulting works with clients across a broad range of residential contracting categories, including Landscaping, Carpet Cleaning, Window Screens, Chimney Service, Pest Control, Swimming Pool Servicing, and Garage Doors. While the details vary by industry, state, size, and company preferences, the needs and policies across these industries are often very similar.
It's our work with Garage Door companies that connected Ian "The H.R. Guy" to the Torsion Talk Podcast Network, which is designed to educate and motivate the amazing people in the garage door industry.
Here's a replay
of Ian's discussion with Ryan and Tamara on onboarding do's and don'ts, company culture, systems and processes, exit interviews, and severance packages. This information is useful beyond just residential services companies - it's a must-listen for anyone trying to run their business.
Reasonable Accommodations in the workplace are no joke - you can get into serious legal trouble if you don't comply with the ADA. Yet here's a case study on a company who terminated someone for an issue directly related to their disability and was not held legally liable. Check out the details of how this might apply to your business.
Home services companies might be tempted to classify workers as independent contractors, but we STRONGLY advise you to hire them as W-2 workers instead. And it's not just because the government might fine you (big time!). Read more for tips on why it'll be in your company's best interest.
Listen to The H.R. Guy explaining the nuances of HR for the Trades in 2025, with tips on common HR pitfalls and how to avoid them, the value of Stay Interviews, key mistakes with performance pay, and the ultimate goal of "Representing the Brand."
You thought you were rid of that toxic employee, but now he's causing you even more problems - posting negative Google reviews and refusing to return company property. Why is this happening?
As a residential service provider, you might not think you're in the construction industry, but the Department of Labor has its own definition... and regulations. If you're in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, garage doors, or roofing, here are some things you need to know.
Perspective employers can ask anything they want about an applicant, but you as a current/ex-employer are legally restricted on what you are allowed to share. Check out this post for details... and for the one exception to the rule.
Some job candidates spend more effort prepping to "ace" an interview than they will spend on doing the job! Use these tips to figure out which candidate will be the best employee, and to avoid legal hot water.
If your business struggles with employee tardies and unexplained absences, an information Attendance Point System might be a good solution. Use these tips to create a system that's consistent and effective.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives have been all the rage across the government and the business world. President Trump has signaled a step back from this. Here's why the H.R. Guy doesn't think this is as dramatic a backswing as the media wants you to believe.
Most businesses that use point systems for attendance do it wrong, which can cause employee unrest or even legal issues. We break down what these systems are, how they can lead to trouble, and how to set them up correctly.