Building Culture: NALP Feature Senior VP, Joe Chiellini

Employee attendance affects more than staffing. In field-service businesses, one unexpected absence can put additional pressure on the rest of the team, impact morale and make it harder to get the day's work done. The National Association of Landscape Professionals, or NALP, recently collaborated with Joe Chiellini, VP of Florida for Yardnique and founder of ASI Landscape Management in Tampa, Florida. In their article with Chiellini, he covers how he believes attendance expectations need to be established early and consistently enforced.

Set the Standard From Day One

When companies repeatedly overlook tardiness or absenteeism, employees may begin to view that behavior as acceptable.

‘“If it’s okay if John misses a day every week, well, then what’s the big deal if I miss a day every week?” Chiellini says. “When you tolerate that behavior, we believe it just spreads like wildfire.”’

That's why onboarding is so important. Chiellini says an employee's first day is one of the best opportunities to demonstrate the company's professionalism and clearly communicate expectations. A strong attendance policy should outline expected arrival times, what qualifies as being late, how employees should call out, documentation requirements and what happens when attendance issues continue.

Accountability Affects the Whole Team

When someone doesn't show up, their coworkers often have to pick up the slack. Chiellini recommends talking with employees about the impact their absence has on the team.

For example, if a crew is scheduled to leave and one person doesn't show, the remaining team members have to work harder to complete the same job. The message is simple: attendance isn't just an individual issue. It affects everyone.

Reward Reliability, Too

Accountability doesn't have to be all about consequences. Recognizing employees who consistently show up can reinforce the behavior companies want to see.

Yardnique is piloting an attendance incentive program in Florida that rewards employees who work every scheduled day in a month with an extra PTO day, entry into a $200 cash drawing and eligibility for a quarterly prize drawing. According to Chiellini, the program has coincided with lower overtime costs year-over-year.

Public recognition is another important part of the program. Employees who meet the attendance goal are recognized by name at their branch, giving their coworkers an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment.

Prepare for Peak Season

Attendance challenges can increase during the summer, particularly as new employees adjust to the heat and physical demands of landscape work.

Chiellini recommends introducing new attendance policies and incentive programs during slower months. This gives employees time to understand expectations before the busy season begins. Ultimately, a strong attendance culture requires a balance of accountability and recognition. As Chiellini puts it, companies need a policy to enforce, but they can also give employees something positive to work toward.

When expectations are clear, standards are consistently enforced and dependable employees are recognized, attendance becomes more than a policy. It becomes part of the company's culture.

Thank you NALP and Joe Chiellini for constantly giving recognition to the things that matter most!