Keeping Your Team Motivated During the Peak Business Season

Photo courtesy Kelly Johnson, Johnson’s Septic Services

When peak season begins, there’s a sense of excitement in the air, especially for those in colder climates. You’ve prepped, maybe had some downtime, and your team wants to hit the ground running. But many portable restroom crews hit a wall eventually. Long hours, high temperatures, humidity, and weekend call-outs dampen spirits.

Keeping your team motivated during the peak business season isn’t just about ensuring they show up to work; it’s about ensuring they operate safely and provide excellent customer service. Here are seven ways to inspire crews.

1. Hot Days = Cold Treats

Build a “hot days = cold treats” habit where the daily temperature triggers a reward. Set a temperature trigger or heat/humidity combo that lets drivers grab a popsicle from the shop freezer or make a cold drink run. This small, cheap gesture shows that you get what they go through and helps keep them hydrated, too.

2. Create a Crew MVP Program

Keep it simple with a peak season version of the “Most Valuable Pumper” system. While speed is important, for motivational purposes, think more along the lines of cleanest setups, customer feedback, or teamwork. Offer small rewards like a free lunch, “golden toilet brush” award, or gas cards. Recognizing team members is a great way to boost morale and reduce burnout.

3. Invest in Shade, Skin Protection, and Hydration

There’s a feeling of camaraderie among portable restroom teams, and that loyalty is even greater for those who work at small businesses. Putting a “summer pack” in their trucks is one way to show you’re invested in their long-term future. Toss in sunscreen, electrolyte packets, and even mini mist fans.

4. Grab and Go Bags

Keep a stash of treat-filled bags and pull them out when they’re needed the most. You can bulk buy clear, brown, or Ziplock bags and add snacks that store well in hot trucks.

Beat the heat with these non-perishable snack ideas:

• Trail mix without chocolate
• Dried fruit
• Oatmeal cookies
• Applesauce pouches
• Salted nuts
• Animal or Graham crackers
• Peanut butter pouches
• Fruit-based granola bars
• Tuna or chicken pouches
• Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• Pretzels or bagel chips
• Honey sticks
• Hard candies

5. Offer Mini PTO Days

Consider allowing half-day resets once a month or every six weeks during the busiest stretch. No questions asked. This won’t work for every portable restroom business, but it’s worth considering, especially if you’ve experienced turnover or calloffs recently. Another option is to let employees start late or finish early after a previous day’s long shift.

6. Let Drivers Represent Your Company

Your team members might attend community events with family or friends after hours. Many of these activities are excellent opportunities for highlighting your brand and services. For crews, feeling a sense of ownership about what they do and who they represent can increase engagement. Employees can volunteer and rotate among events. Give them new shirts to wear and swag to give out, and ask them to interact with people when possible. If the budget allows, give them a few bucks to spend.

7. Let Them Vent

Have a 10- or 15-minute weekly tailgate meeting where teams can bring up issues, call out good work, or suggest improvements. Keep it informal, whether you stand by the coffee pot in the a/c or by the truck bay. This shows your crew that you have time to listen even during peak season, and it can surface real problems before they become deal breakers.

Smart Moves Keep Teams Motivated

Managing drivers and staying on top of work during the busy season is challenging for all-sized businesses. Recognizing your crew and reminding them that you’re all in this together can go a long way toward boosting motivation and morale. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Acknowledge teams at the right moment, and they’ll show up to push through until the end.

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