How do you keep your staff happy during the busy season?

An independent garden center is one of the most beautiful places to work. Much of the time is spent outdoors, witnessing the change that comes with the seasons.

That’s something that keeps Randall “Chip” Fisher III, operations manager at Frank Otte Nursery and Garden Center in Louisville, Ky., and his fellow employees happy during the busy season.

“We don’t have departments here. We all can do anything and cover any area. This means we are not confined to the same area doing the same thing every day,” he says. “Each day brings something new and different, and we get to be outside enjoying all the seasons.”

Though spring brings a sense of renewal and beauty, it can also be a stressful time of year. We asked several garden center owners and managers how they keep staff happy in spring. Here’s what they had to say:
 

Randall “Chip” Fisher III, operations manager
Frank Otte Nursery and Garden Center; Louisville, Kentucky
“[The owner] lets us have a certain amount of control. No one wants to feel like their opinion doesn’t matter, and by asking us for our input, he makes us feel as if we are all involved in the running of the company and pushes us to be the best. By not settling for mediocre [work], he pushes us to take pride in our work and take ownership of the company. Who wouldn’t enjoy working somewhere where their opinion matters, and they can actually influence change and leave their mark on the company?”

Judy Lee, manager
Mayo Garden Center; Knoxville and Powell, Tennessee
“Every time I think of it and every time I see someone going out of their way to be nice to a customer, I tell them what a good job they are doing. I give them praise. I understand it’s really busy and difficult …We try to praise our employees for the good job they are doing.”

Anthony Luciano, owner
Condursos Garden Center; Montville, N.J.
“When we’re real busy, everyone is always worried about lunch. So we’ll buy lunch for everybody so they don’t have to worry about it. And when they have a free minute, they can eat and hang out.”

Laurie Lamm McGraw, executive vice president
LAMMSCAPES! Jackson, Wisconsin
“We are a smaller family business so our staff are like family also. We do our best to be flexible with work schedules so they can spend time with their families. Staff gatherings like our summer picnic and Christmas party are offered for employees and their families, too.”

Peg Castorani, owner
Gateway Garden Center; Hockessin, Delaware
“I hire competent people and get out of their way! I try my best to let the grandparents have the time they want with grandkids. I try to maintain a happy atmosphere. Sales are important, but we work in a garden center, a place that projects a sense of beauty and relaxation.”

Alejandro Mateos, retail manager
Gulley Greenhouse; Fort Collins, Colorado
“We keep our staff happy by being as flexible as possible with their schedules. Understanding that our staff has a life outside of work, and being willing to work with them on the little things that come up, helps to generate dedication and commitment to the company.”