Grategy LIVE at IRE 2024!

By Jonny Suchor. 

The importance of keeping employees happy for long-term success in the roofing industry.  

Live at the Coffee Conversations Sound Stage sponsored by SRS at the 2024 International Roofing Expo (IRE), Heidi J. Ellsworth from RoofersCoffeeShop® introduced Lisa Ryan, chief appreciation strategist of Grategy, highlighting her work on gratitude in workplace culture. Lisa has focused on gratitude in employee retention since starting her business in 2010, particularly within the roofing and construction industries. 

Lisa discussed how genuine gratitude could transform a company. Claiming that too much appreciation could lead to employee entitlement, she says that heartfelt thanks make employees feel valued for their efforts. This is crucial for building a positive work environment where employees are seen and appreciated, increasing satisfaction and loyalty. "It's about creating a culture of appreciation where not only does it make it easier for you to find people to join you but it also makes them want to stay with you,” Lisa emphasized. 

Lisa pointed out that employees' expectations have evolved post-pandemic. They're looking for jobs that not only benefit them but also fit their values. She stressed the importance of adapting workplace cultures to these changing expectations. “You are not interviewing them for a job; they're interviewing you. Do I want to work for you? It's like you almost have to sell me now. Why should I work for you?” Lisa said. 

In her upcoming session, Ryan was set to cover generational differences in the workplace and strategies for making trades attractive to younger workers. She planned to dive into how company leaders can connect with employees beyond just wages, tailoring environments to suit each generation's unique needs and work approaches. "The traditionalists set up the Baby Boomers who set up Gen X who set up the Millennials who set up now Gen Z, and they're all wired differently,” explained Lisa. 

Lisa’s insights at IRE 2024 showed the need for a shift in employer-employee dynamics. By fostering an environment of genuine gratitude, companies can draw in talent and inspire them to stay, turning generational diversity into a well-connected workplace.