Why Working for the Right Employer Matters

Written by Brian C. Hughes on May 10, 2023

Studies show that the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. Does this surprise you? When you think of your average day, what’s included? Waking up and going to work? Coming home too tired and going to sleep right away?

If you’re spending a third of your life working, wouldn’t it be nice to work for a company that you enjoy? This is the exact reason why working for the right employer matters. Going to work every day can not only take a physical toll on your body but a mental one as well when you dread clocking in.

Let’s dive into how the labor landscape has changed in a post-pandemic world, what qualities you should look for in an employer, and why Hughes Environmental Engineering might be your next employer. 

How Has the Labor Market Changed in the Past Few Years?

The labor market has experienced significant volatility in the past few years, with economists deeming this era the Great Resignation. About 47.8 million workers voluntarily left their positions in 2021 and another 50.5 million in 2022.
This caused widespread openings across most industries, including the HVAC sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are nearly 40,100 HVAC job openings across the US despite a 5% growth projection by 2031.
What is causing these widespread openings in more industries than just HVAC? During the pandemic, countless individuals realized that work wasn’t the most important component of their lives. Instead, spending time with family, getting together with friends, and taking on hobbies they actually enjoyed took precedence.
Employers that were unwilling to adapt to new employee demands found themselves with mass resignations. The hiring process also became more difficult as employees had new demands they weren’t willing to compromise on.
The past few years have paved the way for what you can find in the HVAC industry today.

What Should You Look for in an Employee?

Whether you are considering a career change to the HVAC industry or are an experienced technician looking for new opportunities, it’s important to know what you should look for in an employee before you begin your search. Here are some qualities that a good employer will retain:

Flexibility
A recent study found that 63% of respondents agreed that flexibility makes them feel more empowered in the workplace. Flexibility can look different for every employee, from taking advantage of overtime to leaving work at a decent time each day.
In fact, Nick from Northern NJ, an HVAC technician at Hughes Environmental Engineering, describes that “flexibility is great! You want the overtime; the overtime is there. You want to be home to have dinner with the family, you have that as well too.”
When choosing an employer, be sure they offer the versatility you are looking for. The days of being stuck in the 6-4 mold are long gone, with flexibility in the workplace gaining traction. Think about your priorities before you begin your job search. Then, compare your priorities to what the employer is offering.

Comprehensive Benefits
Another important quality to look for in an employer is the benefits offered. Whether you have a family or are on your own, you want to have benefits like health insurance and retirement options. This prevents you from draining your bank account to pay a health insurance bill or being forced to work past your ideal retirement age.

Many HVAC companies are footing the bill for health insurance, ensuring you have the coverage you truly need without eating into your check. Ask your prospective HVAC employer what their healthcare coverage is like. You may be surprised to find out that insurance options are more affordable than you thought.
As Sergey from NYC, an HVAC technician at Hughes Environmental Engineering, explains “my insurance package covered all of [my medical problems]. I didn’t pay anything.” Wouldn’t it be a relief to know that you are fully covered if an accident or illness does come up?

Growth Opportunities
When choosing an employer, you want to be sure that you have growth opportunities. Few employees want to be stuck in the same position for years, maybe even decades. This is why it’s important to choose an employer that offers growth opportunities.
From helping you get certified for the next level to defining your track to becoming a foreman, a good company will be there for you every step of the way. In addition, you should consider a company that offers versatility in daily tasks.

One technician at Hughes Environmental Engineering, Shawn from Central NJ, depicts that “every day, you come to work; you work on something different, pretty much. So you have an opportunity to learn and grow.” Part of being fulfilled in the workplace is avoiding boredom, which can be done with growth opportunities.

Career Support

The company you work for should be there for you, no matter what is thrown your way. From helping you work through schedule conflicts to preparing you for work in the field, your employer should be your top supporter.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case with employers in the HVAC industry, making it important to vet candidates before you sign a contract. Chris from Northern NJ says, “If you are devoted, and if you devote yourself to your work, you can find great employment opportunities. Where they’ll really support you and give you everything you need to grow into a fantastic technician.”

Why Hughes Environmental Excels

At Hughes Environmental, we check off all of these boxes and more. Our team boasts about working at Hughes Environmental because they truly enjoy the work they do and the support they have. We prioritize our employees. After all, they are our most important resource.

When working at Hughes Environmental, you can take advantage of:

• Health Insurance

• ​Retirement Options

• ​Paid Technical Training

• ​Paid Professional Training

• ​Growth Opportunities

• ​Career Support

• ​Competitive Wages

If you’re ready to discover what working for a quality employer is like, reach out today to submit an application or learn more about Hughes Environmental. Apply Today!

Sources
https://www.gettysburg.edu/
https://www.cnbc.com/
https://www.bls.gov/
https://www.forbes.com/