Page 14 - FPGA JulyAug20 FINAL

communication open in this service interactions, needs
new era, Allen recommends
owners and operators become
more intentional about check-in
meetings with their employees.
“Don’t focus only
on the task or the job
needing to be done. Kidd believes there’s been a
Although they’re critical to silver lining for employer and
day-to-day operations, in
these times, I encourage employee interactions as a result
you to go deeper,” Allen
says.
Instead, owners and
operators should check in on
their employees to see how
they’re doing emotionally and
physically, she adds. Ask them
what you can do to help them.
Be authentic as you ask them
how they are doing.
Aside from one-on-one
meetings with employees,
owners and operators can also
encourage team meetings with
one another or as a group in
a virtual setting. Group chats,
which aren’t necessarily focused
on work, can also be created.
“The propane industry is
unique. Often, employees are
like their own family within
work,” Allen says. “So, encourage
engagement and interaction
above and beyond work.”
She also believes leaders
have the responsibility to be
engaged with their employees
during the shift to digital and
remote work, as they should
create examples of how to
interact with others. On the
other hand, employees should
own their roles and places in
remote work too. They should
never feel isolated, nor should
they wait for managers to reach
out to them.
“Employees should
consider a weekly recap that
they create to send to their
bosses at the end of the week,
which summarizes major
work deliverables, customer
14 Propane Magazine July/August 2020
– and to successful employer
and challenges, and perhaps and employee interactions –
big wins,” she says. “Or, at is continuing throughout the
the beginning of the week, country, even in the midst of a
employees can send their pandemic that’s led to a shift in
workplace culture.
“Individual companies
are showcasing their
unique abilities to
creatively address their
various situations –
of COVID-19. remote work, digital
communications only
and so forth – to provide
bosses notifications that outline outstanding service in a
what they have planned for the challenging time,” Kidd explains.
week, along with their intended “To me, the last few months
schedules.” have demonstrated the roots
of the propane industry, which
A silver lining are so based in family and
Kidd believes there’s been community,” she adds. “And
a silver lining for employer and they’ve shown thousands
employee interactions as a of propane professionals’
result of COVID-19. In particular, commitments to customer
she’s heard propane owners and service, which they always
operators mention that the virus have.”
has led them to look at their
own electronic communication SOURCE:www.lpgasmagazine.
policies and procedures, com, Chris Lewis July 24,2020
and better prepare for other
emergencies in the future. For more information
Furthermore, PERC is
noticing a rise in online training, CLICK HERE
as the propane industry is
rising to the occasion to
ensure employees’ needs and
interests are being met. And the
dedication to customer service
Steven M. Krutsinger, President
Propane Delivery Truck Fabrication & Repair
4511 North 56th Street • Tampa, Florida 33610
Phone 813-621-4484, Fax 813-626-3128
Email: steve@krutsingerservices.com
www.krutsingerservices.com