Self-Storage Owners: Can You Spare an Extra Day Off for Your Managers?

On a recent Saturday, a handful of self-storage managers commiserated on Self-Storage Talk about a slow day. One by one, the managers shared dreams of being at the lake or the beach on a gorgeous day instead of being leashed to the desk while nary a phone call or a customer graced their offices.

What days off does your management team have? While most managers have at least one weekend day off—usually Sunday—some report on SST they work all weekend. Other managers have split days off, such as a Saturday and Thursday, or a half day across two days. Heaven forbid if you’re one of those self-storage owners who makes a couple take separate days off. If that’s the case, shame on you—you may as well quit reading right now.

Think of the moral boost you could give your team with an unexpected day of luxury time. You as well as your staff are constantly on the go, we’re all the same in that regard. The biggest difference is when you’re an onsite manager you live and breathe the business 24/7 whether you want to or not. You hear cars and people coming and going on the property. You can glance at the cameras, answer the telephone or check the facility alarm—all outside of office hours. There are times where there is literally no escaping work.

How would it impact your facility’s operation if you were to give your managers an extra day off here and there? How about the third Saturday of the month just one time per year? If a relief can cover that’s great, but if it’s not an option would it really hurt business?

On the flip side, do you think a manager with a sense of being appreciated and given a special treat might just come back with a renewed sense of their value to you? Maybe the manager would be happier on Monday morning, and try a bit harder to win over that potential new customer.

Most self-storage managers will do their job day in and day out without a reward of any sort, it’s just their nature. These people are a special breed of compassionate souls. They don’t want coupons or a dinner out with you, the dear owner, as nice as the food and company may be. Sometimes a manager just needs that one day with no chores, no doctor or dentist visits, no errands to run ... simply a found day to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect while not wearing his storage persona.

I know that during these struggling times giving your staff something extra probably has some of you saying, “She has got to be kidding! We need every rental we can get. The desk must be covered.”

Let me assure you, I speak and e-mail with many self-storage managers across the country and the common thread is that your managers just want to know that you know they exist and they’re valuable to your business. An unexpected day off, either on the spur of the moment or with a few weeks’ notice so your staff can plan an enjoyable outing, can be a great moral booster and show your managers how much you appreciate them.

Is this something you’d consider? Post a comment below or join the discussion at Self-Storage Talk.