Quantcast
Jump to content

Is a 4- Day Work Week Really an Option?

Joe Marconi

By Joe Marconi
in Running The Shop

 Share

Recommended Posts

tomkatv10 Apprentice

tomkatv10

Posted
Posted

The consumer drives the market. People need their cars. So the shop has to be open at least five days a week. We are not open weekends, so the crew gets those two days to spend with family and friends. My crew likes to work. Most of them don’t take their full vacations or PTO. They would rather take the buyout at the end of the year. I think you need to know your people, your culture and most importantly your finances before making that type of decision. 

  • Like 1
JimO Collaborator

JimO

Posted
Posted

I own a gas station with service bays and we are open for gas/diesel seven days a week. For the first forty years we were in business our shop was open six days a week but ten years ago we reduced our shop hours to five days a week. We were very concerned that we would lose customers by closing our bays on Saturday’s but that failed to happen. Have we possibly lost some customers over the last ten years to other shops that are open on Saturday? I am sure we have. I am also sure that if our shop was open 364 days a year that we would lose some customer because we were closed that one day a year when he or she needed help. I have answered our phone on Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Thanksgiving with requests for oil changes, tire repairs, brake work.... and had to explain to the caller that we are open for gas/diesel but closed for repairs. The caller was home, not at work, it is a holiday, they were aware it was a holiday and yet they expected me to say “sure, bring it over, I just need to call my family and tell them not to expect me home late for Thanksgiving dinner because you have been nursing a slow leak in your right front tire for the last two weeks but now, on Thanksgiving, you have decided that you need it repaired”.  I guess I am trying to say that it is impossible to satisfy the needs of all our customers 100% of the time, we will disappoint people. Life is short, our job is demanding, we are all all probably working too many hours, away from our family and loved ones. If you think your customer base will tolerate a four day work week - Go for it! Unfortunately I am old fashioned, I still worry about being closed for repairs on Saturdays so for right now I will continue with the five day work week.

  • Like 2
JimO Collaborator

JimO

Posted
Posted
On 8/15/2022 at 7:53 AM, Joe Marconi said:

Wow, I can empathize and sympathize with you!

I grew up in the gas station business, and we worked every day, rain or shine. We had to be there. I tip my hat to you for putting things in perspective and having the guts to make changes that affect you and your employees' lives. 

AND I CAN RELATE TO YOUR STATEMENT, "I still worry about being closed for repairs on Saturdays..."  When I went into business, my father told me, "You will feel guilty when you take a Saturday off."

Funny how so many shop owners think and feel alike! 

 

Joe, I can relate to you statement “When I went into business, my father told me, "You will feel guilty when you take a Saturday off."

My father passed away years before I took the step to shut down service on Saturdays. A big hurdle for me was overcoming the thought of what my father would say to me if he was alive at that time. He was a machinist by trade and eventually managed large manufacturing factories for numerous companies unrelated to the automotive industry. From a very young age he instilled a work ethic that has served me well and I thank him for that. Maybe I am just older and  cynical but it seems that most of today’s young males fail to have that drive. The pandemic and paying people to stay home seemed to squash whatever small amount of work ethic that was left. I am sure there are young people in the work force with more drive than I can imagine but I routinely deal with young, male gas island attendants that can’t sleep at night so they look at their computers or play video games. They can’t work any mornings because they are unable to wake up since they go to bed at 3am or later. They don’t want to work Friday, Saturday, or Sunday because they want to go out at night with their friends. They don’t want to work more than 4-6 hours a day because they are tired. Many are taking some type of prescription medication for anxiety, depression or to help them sleep. Unfortunately this is becoming the norm for young men in my area and it worries me. 

  • 1 month later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      Do you have a Shop Foreman?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Transmission Repair
      How Does Your Shop Compare To Others
      By Transmission Repair

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Changing The Industry
      From Parts to Shop Owner #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
      By Changing The Industry
      From Parts to Shop Owner #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
    • carmcapriotto
      Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 3: Optimize Processes and Empower Your Team [RR 1012]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Focusing on the third part of a five-part 'Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners' series, Maryann Croce discusses strategies for optimizing processes and empowering teams. Mary Ann shares insights from her coaching experiences, including a case study of a client named Steve, who overcame burnout by streamlining operations and delegating tasks. The episode emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, setting boundaries, and fostering a supportive team environment for business success. Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Here's the link to the fillable download: https://bit.ly/409jaZV Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e997/ Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1004/ Unstoppable Framework Overview (00:01:12) The Goal of the Framework (00:02:13) Steve's Story: The Doing It All Trap (00:04:37) Creating Standard Operating Procedures (00:05:46) Impact of Delegation on Business and Life (00:08:30) Importance of Accountability (00:10:46) Steps for Creating SOPs (00:12:51) Encouraging Team Autonomy (00:16:13) Structured Onboarding and Continuous Learning (00:18:27) Feedback Loops and Open Communication (00:19:39) The Business Control Dilemma (00:20:38) Small Wins Matter (00:20:51) Breaking the Micromanagement Cycle (00:21:53) Setting Boundaries for Well-being (00:23:44) The Importance of Personal Time (00:24:42) Final Thoughts on Business Growth (00:25:42) Continuous Improvement Mindset (00:26:52)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/         Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      What It Means to Be the Best Shop in Town [E193] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      **Podcast Episode Summary: The Weekly Blitz with Coach Chris Cotton**
      In this engaging episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton, a renowned auto repair business coach, delves into the essential elements that contribute to becoming the premier auto repair shop in your community. Coach Cotton begins by emphasizing the significance of establishing a culture of accountability within the workplace. He explains that when each team member takes responsibility for their actions and outcomes, it creates a foundation for success and continuous improvement.
      Furthermore, Coach Cotton discusses the importance of fostering teamwork among employees. He suggests that a collaborative environment not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also boosts morale and job satisfaction. By encouraging open communication and mutual support, team members are more likely to work together towards common goals, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole.
      Delivering an exceptional customer experience is another key focus of the episode. Coach Cotton points out that while having the latest tools and offering competitive prices are important, they are not the sole determinants of success. Instead, he argues that true excellence is achieved when every employee is committed to maintaining high standards and consistently exceeding customer expectations. This dedication to quality service helps build a strong reputation and encourages repeat business.
      Coach Cotton also highlights the critical role of leadership in cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture. Effective leaders set the tone for the organization, modeling the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in their team. By providing clear direction, support, and recognition, leaders can inspire their employees to strive for excellence in every aspect of their work.
      Finally, Coach Cotton underscores the importance of building trust and loyalty with customers. He explains that every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to reinforce their confidence in the business. By consistently delivering on promises and addressing any concerns promptly and professionally, auto repair shops can establish long-lasting relationships with their clients, ensuring sustained success in a competitive market.


      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:18)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on supercharging auto repair businesses.
      Podcast Recommendations (00:01:23)
      Chris highlights other podcasts on the aftermarket radio network worth checking out.
      Inspiration from Previous Episode (00:02:38)
      Chris discusses insights gained from a previous episode with Cecil Bullard about being the best shop.
      Creating a Culture of Accountability (00:03:56)
      The importance of fostering accountability among employees to achieve the goal of being the best shop.
      Defining the Best Shop (00:04:54)
      Being the best shop is a commitment reflected in every operational aspect, not just tools or prices.
      Employee Engagement and Culture (00:06:02)
      The significance of a positive culture where employees thrive and contribute to customer experience.
      The Role of Accountability (00:07:20)
      Accountability is essential; employees must hold themselves to high standards for the shop's reputation.
      Steps to Accountability (00:08:25)
      Chris outlines practical steps for employees to demonstrate accountability in their roles.
      Building a Standard of Excellence (00:09:31)
      Establishing a standard of excellence leads to a desirable workplace and loyal customers.
      Legacy of Excellence (00:10:29)
      Being the best shop is about building a legacy and creating growth opportunities for employees.
      Closing Remarks (00:11:33)
      Chris thanks listeners and emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in the auto repair business.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 372 views
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 264 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 384 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...