Top 3 Takeaways from the 2022 Landscaping Stress Survey
The Landscaping Stress Survey was launched in 2021 by GoMaterials in collaboration with Synkd (previously Pro Landscaper USA) to get a pulse on the state of stress within the green industry. 219 landscape professionals responded to the 2022 survey, and the results are clear; this year has been a very stressful for many. See below for the top three takeaways from the 2022 Landscaping Stress Survey.
A summary of all results can also be found on the GoMaterials website.
Takeaway #1: Green Industry Professionals are More Stressed in 2022 vs 2021
Whether it’s managing missed calls, responding to the constant influx of emails, managing supplier communications, or trying to get materials to the job site, there’s too much on everyone’s plate across the industry. To make things worse, the ongoing supply chain issues caused by the plant shortages, labor shortages, and inflation don’t seem to be abating anytime soon. If all this wasn’t enough, every news headline seems to be setting off the alarm bells that a recession is looming. In short, the green industry seems to be going through a remarkably stressful period.
It’s no surprise that the industry feels more stressed this year! More than 75% of those polled reported a mid to high level of stress in 2022 and 79% of respondents said that they are more stressed in 2022 than they were in 2021.
Takeaway #2: Wholesale Plant Shortages are the Biggest Causes of Stress
Respondents listed a number of factors contributing to their stress, with the wholesale plant shortages in first position. A few respondents chimed in on the decrease in quality and availability of plant materials. What makes this particularly challenging is that there is no predictable end to the shortages in sight- in fact, 60% of nurseries estimate that plant shortages will last throughout 2022 as per the Plant Shortage Report released by the GoMaterials team.
Chronic supply chain issues and plant shortages can trigger more tense relationships both with customers and suppliers, piling on the stress in 2022. And it’s not just landscapers who may be stressed out. Suppliers are also struggling to keep up with landscapers’ demands. One respondent recognized that “there are fewer suppliers and more competitive pressures”.
Here are the top reasons for stress listed by the respondents in order of importance:
- Plant material shortages
- Unreasonable customers & suppliers
- Miscommunication with drivers, nurseries, and architects
- Worker & truck driver shortages
- Lack of organization & well-defined processes
Takeaway #3: The Weight of Tedious Tasks is Contributing to Stress
It’s evident from the results that the lack of manpower in administrative roles is debilitating for many small and large businesses. It’s forcing existing employees to wear many hats and feel spread thin.
Based on survey results, the top 3 routine activities contributing to stress in order of importance are:
- Coordinating & replying to emails
- Buying materials, arranging transport, & project scheduling
- Having to constantly double-check deadlines
Needing to double-check deadlines as a cause of stress will likely resonate the most in the industry. Specs, quality, dates and many other details need to constantly be validated for a landscaping operations team.
Multiple routine activities reported as stressful by the respondent could be a lot simpler with additional administrative support. Rise of third-party services such as GoMaterials and the right investment in tech can definitely help alleviate some of the pressure.
Bonus Takeaway: Respondents Want Time to Decompress and to Prioritize Their Health
Many of the respondents offered up tips to fellow members of the industry. More importantly, respondents suggested not to neglect social activities and time with family. Here are some tips and comments from some of the survey respondents:
During work, be sure to take regular breaks to eat a healthy lunch and maybe listen to music or a podcast.
Stress is sometimes a sign that you’re living too much. Getting rid of certain tasks or responsibilities can create space for self-care.
Take the time to write a letter to someone you admire. As we elevate others, we elevate ourselves.
Spend time in nature.
Make time for family fun.
Dare to say no.
Change your perspective and allow yourself to accept reality.
What Now?
Creative thinking and the implementation of new processes are crucial to reducing stress in the workplace. Business owners should lean on their teams for feedback on how to help with stress management. One of the respondents said it well: “One of the best ways to reduce workplace stress is to create and foster a culture of openness and transparency.”
To view the full results of the survey, visit https://resources.gomaterials.com/2022-landscaping-stress-report
If the plant shortages and lack of manpower are weighing down your business operations, GoMaterials is here to help! Learn more about how we can support your team with estimation and buying of wholesale plant materials by visiting our website or see it for yourself by sending in a plant list.
