EDITORIAL: Expanding Our Work Force

The landscape industry suffers from an image problem. It’s really quite hard to believe considering the beautiful landscapes that contractors bring to life.
 
Consider the intricate design/build projects that spring out of dirt. Or, the manicured grounds that border corporate campuses across the U.S. How about the theme parks, sports fields and gardens that contribute to the entertainment and serenity of Americans living much too hectic lifestyles?
 
Yet, stop to contemplate the obstacles contractors face in trying to grow their businesses. Challenges include raising both wages and pricing, lack of available labor, price-cutting competition and activist interference prompting tiresome legislation. Enterprising business people have successfully built million-dollar landscape companies, yet the seasonal schedules generally isn’t enough to attract most American workers. Despite this, the government refuses to take action on the H-2B returning-worker exemption program.
 
The landscape industry has a serious labor problem that needs to be addressed. Last month, we began a three-part series on the labor crisis facing the landscape industry. The first article focused on H-2B and the predicament that business owners face without an adequate number of workers. Without workers, jobs won’t be completed. With fewer jobs, less money will be spent on new and replacement equipment. 
 
With or without the H-2B program, the landscape industry must take steps to expand the work force from which it draws its workers. In addition to the tried and true recruitment principles, contractors must think outside the box and enlist new groups to the industry. Early retirees, part-time firefighters, laid-off auto workers just to name a few. This month, the second in our labor series focuses on unique recruitment techniques and systems.
 
But that’s only one part of the solution. Long-term, the landscape industry needs to attract a whole new generation of people to the industry. Think students. High school, vocational and college students. The next generation needs to be the primary target of workers and future business owners. The outreach needs to be proactive and engaging. Students need to know about the great opportunities that await them in the landscape industry. They need to be told about the effect great landscape installations bring to families and communities. They need to hear it from you.
 
PLANET’s Student Career Days is one chance to interact with students. Visit www.studentcareerdays.org for more information.
 
To portray the landscape industry in a new light to students, Lawn & Landscape is launching a new student edition. This publication will be distributed to students and professors at two- and four-year colleges across the country. The issue will illustrate the expansive careers and opportunities that await students in the green industry. It will also help to start a dialogue between students and potential employers.
 
Spring is a time of new beginnings. Let’s communicate loud and clear about the benefits of working in the landscape industry.