Author: MaintenX

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Maintenance Department

New Year’s Resolutions are a touchy subject for many. Most of us fail to implement them past January or have trouble coming up with ones that are truly meaningful. As a business, it can be even more difficult to decide what to keep and what to change about your company’s culture and operations as the new year rolls around. 

 

At MaintenX, we are always striving to improve upon our practices every year. Our maintenance strategy is all about preventing emergency repairs and reducing costs, which helps you create a better working environment for all. If you’re looking to improve your maintenance program this year, follow these tips we use with our teams to streamline your efforts in 2022:

 

Clear out your backlog

How often do you actually address the maintenance requests in your backlog? If you’re like most companies, you only do it when you have an overflow of service requests or when someone from the maintenance department asks you repeatedly. Instead of waiting, why not clear out the backlog this January to make things easier all year long?

 

Meet with your maintenance team more regularly

Preventative maintenance can get lost in the sea of daily to-dos if you don’t make time to meet regularly with your maintenance team. Instead of hoping your preventative care schedule falls into place, make time for it now by scheduling regular meetings with your MaintenX team. If you plan them early, you can make it easier for yourself to stick to the plan throughout the year. 

 

Invest in one energy-efficient upgrade this year

Making room in the budget for nicer upgrades can be difficult, especially if you have more pressing repairs and expenses to take care of. However, by investing in energy-efficient upgrades, you can help save your company money in the long term by reducing energy costs and improving the service life of your equipment.

 

Creating good maintenance habits starts with the right mindset at the beginning of the year. MaintenX can help make it easier for you by scheduling preventative repairs based on past services, and help guide you toward a more manageable maintenance schedule.

The Importance Of Environmental Awareness in 2022

2021 was a year of growth for many individuals and companies, especially on the environmental forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 made brands reevaluate their priorities, and despite the turmoil that ensued, many came back with a renewed mission to do better for their employees and the environment. 

 

In 2022, MaintenX wants to help as many companies as possible reach their sustainability goals through eco-friendly and energy-efficient equipment installations. We specialize in energy-efficient HVAC, electrical, roofing, and even plumbing installation and repair, and have several reasons for kicking it into high gear this year.

 

In 2021, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) set high standards for countries and brands to reach environmental sustainability goals by November of 2022 (the date for COP27). These included emissions reductions, plastic pollution reductions, and a plan to end deforestation within the next several decades. Many of these plans will take place at the corporate level, with big brands reducing emissions and creating sustainable policies with the help of government initiatives. 

 

2022 will also be a major turning point as the COVID-19 crisis hopefully slows down, giving governments and brands the resources back to refocus on environmental sustainability moving forward. During the initial COVID-19 outbreak, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution were reduced significantly, showing businesses what is possible in order to achieve environmental goals in the next 30 years. 

 

However, it will take more than big businesses and governments to reach the goals set for 2022. As a small business or even as an individual, there are ways you can improve your local community through environmental awareness and conservation. 

 

What Your Business Can Do To Help

 

Your small business, franchise, or regional brand can make a big impact on the way you do business in 2022. Below are some simple ways to reduce your environmental impact while improving your bottom line:

 

  • Reduce wastewater and pollution by installing a water recycling unit for your facility
  • Install or upgrade to energy-efficient appliances such as your HVAC, water heater, and lighting fixtures
  • Design eco-friendly packaging, or reduce plastic components in current packaging
  • Offer ways for customers and employees to recycle or reuse at your facility

 

MaintenX can help you at the operational level by installing and providing maintenance for energy-efficient and smart appliances. TO learn more about eco-friendly options for your roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, give us a call today!

How To Incorporate Environmental Sustainability Into Your Company Culture

What defines a company’s culture is about much more than what it says in your mission statement. It’s about how your teams communicate, what they believe is important, and what guides your decision-making process at every level of the company’s operations. Company culture isn’t something you write down – it’s something you feel and something you cultivate in the minds of your ground workers all the way to the top. 

 

Creating a sustainable culture intentionally is hard work, and requires everyone to be on the same page as to what your duty is as a company. If sustainability is all about your bottom line, it likely won’t catch on with anyone but the C-suite. However, if you make employees feel good about the ways in which they’re creating an eco-friendly work environment, your sustainability culture will spread rapidly. 

 

Below are # different ways you can empower your staff to take initiative and feel connected to sustainability-centric company culture: 

 

Start on the ground floor

The best way to engage your staff in the sustainability effort is by making it relevant to their daily lives. If they can talk to customers about the eco-friendly packaging you use or tell friends how your company is creating more green space on the facility, you can help them see how their work impacts the environment for the better. 

 

Educate the right way

Education on environmental issues that impact your industry can go a long way toward helping your team understand the importance of creating a more sustainable work culture. However, facts and frightening statistics often fall on deaf ears and can make people actually less enthusiastic about your mission. Instead of lecturing, show how your actions as a company can help clean up a local habitat, reduce plastic pollution within your community, or help the next generation have better outdoor air quality. These tangible results can make people see the good in their actions instead of trying to avoid the bad. 

 

Lead by example

If you want a truly sustainable culture that does more than look good on paper, you need to start by educating your upper management on sustainability efforts in your industry. If they can use this information to make better decisions for your brand, you show your employees and customers that sustainability is a top priority. 

 

Sustainability is good for the planet, good for your community, and good for your bottom line. If you want to take the first step by installing energy-efficient upgrades into your facility, give MaintenX a call today!

How To Clear Your Maintenance Backlog This Year

2022 is here, which opens up the doors for new possibilities with your maintenance department. The slate is wiped clean with a renewed budget and an opportunity to improve your maintenance practices. One of the biggest New Year’s resolutions you can make for your facility this year is to clear out your maintenance backlog before the end of winter. 

 

The maintenance backlog is one of the trickiest things for a facility manager to handle. A completely empty backlog can invite just as much trouble as one that is backed up for six months. Below are some tips to clean up your backlog and bring it back to a manageable level:

 

Step 1 – Remove outdated work orders. 

If your backlog has been sitting idly for several months, there are likely service requests that have either been completed, need modifications, or are duplicated due to multiple unanswered requests. Take a fine-toothed comb to your backlog to ensure everything in there is relevant to your maintenance team. 

 

Step 2 – Update all work order information.

Some maintenance requests may have been skipped because the work order had incomplete information. If you see work orders that are incomplete or lack information for your maintenance team to use, contact the original requester to complete the order and get it back on the service list. 

 

Step 3 – Prioritize

Once you’ve cleared away all of the incomplete and irrelevant work order requests, you must sit down and prioritize them by importance and date of request. This should be done with your maintenance team to determine what will take the most time and resources versus what can be knocked out easily or is not actually a priority. 

 

Step 4 – Execute

With an organized backlog in place, it’s time to start scheduling your services. This can take some time but is worth the effort to take that stress off of you in the new year. Your maintenance team can knock out different services for your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems in a matter of days or weeks, and can help you start fresh with a new backlog of relevant preventative repairs. 

 

Step 5 – Reflect and schedule preventative maintenance

With a cleared backlog from 2021, you can start refilling your maintenance requests with future services based on your preventative maintenance schedule. This turns your backlog into a tool for scheduling and sticking to your maintenance plan, rather than a constant reminder of all you still have to get done. If you follow this plan, you’ll actually be happy to use your backlog for the maintenance schedule in 2022. 

 

MaintenX can help you organize your maintenance schedule for a more seamless experience in preventative care. To learn more about our preventative services, contact your local MaintenX!

What It’s Like To Be A Plumber’s Apprentice

Today, most high school graduates think that college is their only choice in order to get a good job entering the workforce. However, it was not too long ago that apprenticeships were the primary way for someone to get a great job in a field they truly loved. Becoming a plumber’s apprentice – and eventually a licensed plumber – is an often overlooked but great career opportunity for young professionals who don’t want to go to a four-year university. 

 

While plumbing might not be a glamorous job, it can be highly lucrative, stable, and recession-proof if one dedicates themselves to the trade. In general, trade jobs are more stable and have higher rates of job satisfaction than other careers because they are active, skilled, and aren’t affected by recessions because of their year-round necessity. If you or your child is looking for an alternative career path, here’s what they should know about becoming a plumber’s apprentice: 

 

What is a plumbing apprenticeship? 

Plumbers must go through both classroom and on-the-job training before they can become licensed journeymen or master plumbers. Typically, these programs are sponsored by a union, trade school, or private company and require a certain amount of hours plus a certifying exam to pass. However, they are often structured as earn-while-you-learn programs, helping both young professionals and those looking to switch careers handle schooling and work at the same time. 

 

What does a plumber’s apprentice do?

Plumbing apprenticeships require both class time and on-the-job training. During your first few months, you will observe, help load equipment on job sites, and ask questions about what you learn in class. However, the more you learn, the more responsibility you’ll be given to install, repair, and design plumbing systems for residential and commercial properties. 

 

How long do apprenticeships take?

Apprenticeships vary in pace and are dependent on an individual’s progress and dedication throughout the program. Typically, they take between two and five years, but some of the time you spend on the job site will be paid. The faster you learn, the less time it will take to advance through the program as well. 

 

Why become a plumber?

Becoming a plumber is one of the best options in the maintenance field, with a lucrative job outlook and high job satisfaction among licensed plumbers. If you’re interested in an alternative career path that doesn’t result in thousands of dollars of student debt or a boring desk job, becoming a plumber might be right for you. 

 

Visit the MaintenX careers page to learn more about what it’s like to be a plumber, or to search for jobs if you’re a recently graduated apprentice.

What It’s Like To Be An Electrician’s Apprentice

After high school, most young adults are encouraged to go to college, but there are equally rewarding and lucrative career options in the trades, one of the most rewarding being electrical work. The path of an electrician is often overlooked by young professionals first entering college, technical school, or the workforce for the first time. However, it is an affordable educational option that can become a stable, high-paying job not easily affected by recessions or other changes in the workforce. 

 

In order to become an electrician, however, you must complete an apprenticeship with a licensed and experienced electrician. Apprenticeships typically include both classroom time and on-the-job training, and are an affordable educational route for those who do not wish to go to a four-year university. 

 

What is an apprenticeship?

Prior to the popularity of universities, apprenticeships were the most common way for young professionals to enter the career of their choice. Nowadays, apprenticeships are rare, but electricians, plumbers, and some other trade careers still require them in order to learn the skills necessary for licensing. During an electrician’s apprenticeship, you’ll spend time in the classroom learning the science of electrical work, as well as many on-the-job hours where you can learn how to work on both residential and commercial electrical systems. 

 

What will I learn and do as an apprentice?

As an electrician’s apprentice, you’ll learn all about installing, repairing, and designing electrical systems. You may apprentice under a certain specialty such as residential or commercial work, but the core concepts will be the same. During your first few months, you will be on the sidelines watching, helping to move equipment, and asking questions as you study in the classroom. However, as your knowledge and experience increase, you’ll be given more and more responsibility. 

 

How do I get an apprenticeship?

Typically, apprenticeships are sponsored by a company, a union, or by a technical school. You must apply for the apprenticeship through one of these organizations, and meet the requirements including having a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an aptitude test, and a stellar in-person interview. 

 

How long do apprenticeships last?

Electrician’s apprenticeships can last 2 to 5 years, depending on the individual structure of the program and your own progress within it. Some programs will take longer because involvement is spaced out, while others will fast-track you through the courses. Before applying, ask the program directors what to expect and how to prepare for your apprenticeship. 

 

Becoming an electrician is a rewarding experience with plenty of benefits. If you are interested in learning about becoming an electrician or are recently graduated and are looking for commercial work, visit our Career source for inside information on working with MaintenX!

Mindset Road Blocks That Are Hurting Your Maintenance Performance

Maintenance management is typically approached in a highly practical, rote manner. Tasks are assigned, a backlog of preventative repairs is created, and technicians perform the basics without any foresight into how their performance may affect the future of the facility. However, this strategy doesn’t engage the maintenance staff, nor does it help improve your bottom line. But, is there a way that could? 

 

Maintenance management is about more than getting the job done. It’s about creating a maintenance team that takes responsibility for their work and that goes above and beyond to ensure the proper functioning of the facility equipment. Below are some strategies to help you build this type of maintenance team, without adding time on the clock:

 

A culture of accountability

Maintenance departments are often on deck only when an issue or emergency occurs. This makes them either the heroes of the day when a repair can be done quickly and low cost, or the scapegoat when a repair is costly or results in extended downtime. This problem often stems from a lack of accountability, where the repair is “someone else’s” fault, instead of the joint responsibility of the maintenance department and upper management. By emphasizing quality work over cheap and fast repairs, you can create a more stable work environment and reduce unexpected repair time. 

 

An inclusive learning environment

Maintenance work takes a great deal of time and effort to master. Most technicians must complete technical school or apprenticeship training, and develop their skills over years of on-the-job training. Therefore, by encouraging a fault-free learning environment, you can keep good maintenance workers who will only get better with time. By punishing mistakes harshly and not providing adequate training, you instill a mindset where learning is forbidden, which hurts you in the long run. 

 

A prevention-first approach

A reactive or run-to-fail maintenance strategy may seem like the right mindset until a serious maintenance emergency is on your hands. Ractive repairs that result from a lack of preventative care, or could have easily been avoided are always more frustrating than the ones that result from true emergencies. By encouraging your maintenance team to put preventative work first, you can reduce downtime and create a healthier maintenance culture overall. 

 

MaintenX believes in fostering an inclusive, high-quality-, prevention-first maintenance workforce through our strategies and training throughout the U.S. If you’re looking for a preventative maintenance company that already has these qualities, give us a call today to learn what MaintenX can do for you!

Tips for Requesting HVAC, Plumbing, Roofing, and Energy Upgrades for Your Facility

Requesting funding for maintenance repairs is one of the more difficult tasks for the facility manager to accomplish. As part of the management team, they need to advocate for their maintenance team’s needs. However, upper management rarely wants to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars on things like new plumbing or an energy-efficient HVAC system. 

 

These unglamorous purchases are essential to business function but don’t present the flashy ROI or sales numbers of other investments. Therefore, as the facility manager, you need to create a convincing case for your facility upgrade. If you’re struggling to create a convincing proposal, here’s what you can do: 

 

Highlight the cost savings vs. initial investment. 

A pricey energy-efficient upgrade to your facility can seem like an unnecessary expense in the eyes of upper management. However, if you can prove that this new repair will pay for itself in cost-savings, you make it much more difficult for them to say no. 

 

Gain employee or customer support. 

Upgrading to a new HVAC system may seem unnecessary, that is until you have an army of employees who can attest to the poor indoor air quality or climate control experienced throughout your facility. Upper management may say no to a plumbing upgrade until you point out our bad online reviews linked to a leaky faucet or backed up toilet. By showing the human impact of your new maintenance upgrade, you can make a more convincing case for the financial investment. 

 

Highlight environmental benefits. 

If you’re pushing for solar panel roofing, an energy-efficient HVAC system, or smart lighting, show how your proposed investment will improve the reputation of your business for its commitment to sustainability. Even the smallest upgrades to environmentally-conscious appliances matter to consumers, and they can make your business stand out from the rest. 

 

Pitch in advance.

As the facility manager, you should have a plan in place for when you need to replace different pieces of facility equipment. Rather than pitching the upgrades when they’re needed, ask for them well in advance. This allows the decision-maker to plan the upgrade into next year’s budget rather than subtracting from their current needs and demands. 

 

Maintenance upgrades can be made glamorous with the right mindset. If you are looking to upgrade some of your facility equipment, contact MaintenX today to consult with a professional on your options.

How To Encourage Better Maintenance Technician Performance

Maintenance technicians are some of the hardest-working members of your team. They spend a great deal of time in a technical school or apprenticeship learning the tricks of the trade, as well as years on the job perfecting their skills. Technicians’ work is also demanding both physically and mentally, making only strong and enthusiastic people capable of advancing in the field. 

 

While maintenance technicians are most often hard workers, you can still help them improve performance by creating a work environment that is tailored to their needs and work style. Below are three ways you can encourage the best from your maintenance team with simple changes to your maintenance program: 

 

Be goal-oriented, not time-oriented

Most facility managers understand that good work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t good. The same is true for speed. While it’s an important metric to study, speed isn’t nearly as important as the quality of service performed. If you allow your maintenance technicians to prioritize attention to detail over speed, you’ll get better service in the end. 

 

Offer training incentives 

Ongoing training is a necessary part of the maintenance field. As new technologies develop, lessons learned in technical school become obsolete. By offering training programs on the job as well as incentives for attending voluntary seminars, you can improve your team’s performance and foster individual career growth. 

 

Celebrate good work

Oftentimes maintenance technicians are only called in when something is going wrong. While this can make them heroes in times of crisis, it can also make them scapegoats for underlying problems in the facility structure. If you want your maintenance employees to enjoy their work, be sure to highlight a job well done when it happens. By appreciating the preventative maintenance services given by technicians, you will see an improvement in emergency service as well. 

 

At MaintenX, our technicians are the backbone of our facilities. We take pride in our ability to deliver excellent service and it all starts with the skill, dedication, and enthusiasm of our maintenance teams. We provide these benefits and so many more for working with MaintenX in order to grow this enthusiasm for the trade both in our current employees and in the future generation of facility repair. 

 

If you’d like to learn more about what it’s like to work with MaintenX, give us a call or visit our career center for information about open positions.

Five Examples of Reactive Maintenance Mistakes

At MaintenX, we often emphasize the benefits of preventative maintenance to help our customers see why they need these services for their facilities. Preventative care may seem like an unnecessary expense until it is neglected, and your facility equipment suffers for it. However, we also understand the benefits of reactive maintenance strategies for certain pieces of equipment, and how to utilize this run-to-fail method in our overall maintenance service. 

 

While reactive maintenance can help you save money on some facility equipment maintenance, many technicians make mistakes when using this strategy. Below are five things to never do when implementing run-to-fail maintenance at your commercial facility: 

 

Using run-to-fail on critical equipment

Reactive maintenance is typically most appropriate for equipment that is not stable and non-essential, such as lighting or hardscape. You don’t need to plan to change light fixtures until they go out, or repair exterior structures until they become damaged if they’re not essential to your facility’s functioning. However, it’s unwise to allow your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or roofing systems to fail because when they do, they’ll cause serious disruptions at your facility. 

 

Allowing equipment to fail over and over

Run-to-fail maintenance can be used for new equipment that doesn’t experience problems often, or for periodic repairs that don’t occur often. However, if a piece of equipment is having the same issue over and over, you need to implement a preventative maintenance strategy to address it and save money on repeated service. 

 

Using run-to-fail maintenance throughout a system’s service life

Run-to-fail maintenance is best utilized for newer pieces of equipment where preventative care is not needed. However, as your system ages, it will need more frequent service to ensure it runs properly. This can help extend your system’s service life rather than retiring early due to excess repair work. 

 

Not having a plan in place for when the equipment fails

If you’re going to run a reactive maintenance program, you need to be prepared when breakdowns occur. If your maintenance strategy is non-existent, you will end up paying the price in after-hours service calls, expensive emergency repairs, and repeat maintenance. 

 

Using run-to-fail without a maintenance team in place

If you have no one to call when a reactive repair is needed, then you don’t really have a strategy at all. It can take hours for a service technician to reach your facility in the event of an emergency, especially if you are a new customer. If you want your reactive maintenance plan to work, you need a reliable team in place to take the call. 

 

MaintenX can help you incorporate reactive maintenance strategies into your overall maintenance plan to reduce costs and improve your overall facility function. To learn more about our reactive and preventative maintenance services, give us a call today!