5 Tips to Keep Your Technicians Motivated and Avoid Burnout During Peak Season

Proven Strategies Backed by Insights from Over 400 Technicians

Managing a team of technicians during peak season feels like a rollercoaster. One minute, you're on top—your crew’s in sync, jobs are getting done, and everything’s running smoothly. The next, you're off the rails—juggling upset customers, burned-out techs, more re-services, and unexpected call-outs. Just when you think the ride might smooth out, another twist or drop catches you off guard.

But instead of letting the next drop throw you off course, knowing what motivates your techs could help you prevent technician burnout and maintain customer expectations during peak season. Retaining skilled technicians is crucial during these busy months, as losing them can be costly. Retaining your technicians saves thousands compared to hiring. 

To get a clearer picture, Applause asked over 400 techs about their experience when their workload ramps up.

One key finding? An astounding 62% said they receive the same amount of recognition during peak season as they do during slower times. 

Given the increased workload and higher customer expectations, it’s surprising that recognition doesn’t ramp up when the workload does. Since recognition directly impacts motivation, it’s crucial to address this gap.

And since nearly half (49%) of techs we surveyed said positive customer reviews are their biggest motivator, recognizing technicians more frequently just might be the silver lining during peak season to help keep your techs motivated and avoid burnout.

Understanding what motivates your techs during peak season can make all the difference. Here are five practical tips to help maintain customer expectations and keep your techs from burning out.

1. Set Clear Expectations and Give Techs More Control 

Start each day with a quick team huddle to outline the plan, discuss challenges, and ensure everyone knows their tasks. Once the day is mapped out, encourage techs to take ownership and make on-the-spot decisions when needed. This balance of guidance and autonomy helps build confidence and keeps your team focused.

• 42% of technicians reported that having the freedom to make decisions independently boosts their motivation and overall job satisfaction during peak season.

When employees feel empowered to make decisions independently, they’re more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best. Giving them the freedom to problem-solve builds confidence and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

2. Build Breaks Into the Schedule to Prevent Burnout 

During peak season, fatigue can set in quickly, especially when breaks are skipped. Remind your team that taking regular breaks to hydrate and cool off helps maintain energy levels and keeps fatigue at bay. Taking breaks regularly can improve performance and curb burnout. Encourage techs to pack extra water, energy snacks, and cooling towels in their vehicles before heading out. Small, consistent reminders to take care of themselves show that you value their well-being.

3. Recognize Great Work and Share Positive Reviews Daily 

Whether you’re a pest control company owner or managing a team of lawn care technicians, taking time to acknowledge your techs' hard work, whether through a shoutout in a morning meeting or by sharing a glowing customer review in your group chat, shows that their efforts matter. Consistent recognition like this helps maintain motivation, even when the workload ramps up.

Make it a habit to highlight positive feedback as soon as it comes in—especially when it’s tied to a specific tech’s performance. Consider creating a routine where positive reviews are shared at the start or end of each shift. Keep recognition specific and frequent to keep motivation high. Learn how real-time feedback can boost technician motivation.

• 49% of technicians say receiving positive customer reviews is their biggest source of motivation.

• 90% of technicians agree that recognition is essential to feeling valued at work.

Applause can bridge this gap by automatically matching customer reviews to technicians and notifying them in real time for quick recognition. When technicians get feedback from customers right away in the Applause Employee App, rather than days or weeks later in a team meeting, they carry that motivation right into the next job. You can even set up leaderboards to encourage friendly competition and keep motivation high.

4. Create a Quick-Fix System for On-the-Job Problems 

When issues arise, techs need quick and easy ways to address them. Set up a direct line of communication, like a group chat, where techs can report problems immediately. Train your team to handle minor issues independently while knowing when to escalate more significant concerns. This approach saves time and prevents minor problems from turning into big ones.

5. Make Team Support Part of the Daily Routine 

Feeling appreciated and part of a team makes a big difference during peak season. Foster camaraderie by encouraging techs to check in with each other, share tips, or even give a quick shoutout when someone goes the extra mile. 

While 15.3% of techs reported that being recognized in front of their peers boosts motivation, the real impact comes from creating a culture where everyone feels valued and connected. Make sure to call out great work in group settings, not just one-on-ones, to reinforce a team-oriented mindset.

For more ideas on how to keep your best employees engaged while motivating underperformers, check out our blog post on 7 Ways to Retain Top Talent and Motivate Underperformers in Home Services.

Keeping Your Techs from Hitting the Wall

Peak season doesn’t have to mean burnout and low morale. Implementing small, consistent practices like recognizing positive reviews, giving techs more control, and fostering team support can have a significant impact. When your crew feels valued and empowered, they’re more likely to stay motivated, even during the busiest times.

Applying these practical tips can help your techs push through the peak season with energy and enthusiasm while keeping your customers satisfied.

Want to see how Applause can help you keep your team motivated and recognized during peak season? Schedule a demo to see how automated review matching and leaderboards can make recognition simple and effective.