TYSONS, Va. — National Automotive Dealers Association 2019 Chairman Charlie Gilchrist has put out a call to dealers to participate in the 2019 Dealership Workforce Study. The study will be based on a dealer survey tracking metrics in such areas as compensation, benefits, hours of operation, and retention.

“The outcome I hope for is that all dealers participate in this study … and work smarter, not harder,” Gilchrist said in a statement. “Working hard comes naturally to us, but we need a full 360-degree view of our businesses so we continue to capitalize on our strengths and address our weaknesses. This starts with making informed decisions about our employment pool, taking steps to reduce turnover and making strides to retain the best employees, from the front of the store to the back.”

There is no cost to participate, and every participating dealership will receive a custom report comparing its numbers to other stores in its region and around the nation. Gilchrist, the owner of a five-rooftop North Texas dealer group, said he has relied on the study and custom reports as a dealer and an executive.

“As a business owner, I have utilized this great management tool for years. It has helped me make informed recruiting and hiring decisions, which is especially important considering the industry’s critical service technician shortage,” he said. “It’s no longer enough to simply find and place people in open positions. We need to make a concerted effort to place the best people in our dealerships for the long term.”

To enroll your dealership or dealer group in NADA’s 2019 Dealership Workforce study, click here.