Muffin Monday, Toolbox Tuesday and Pie Day Friday

Let’s talk about Pie Days. No, it’s not only Pie Days, and it’s not only Fridays either. At French Electrical, regular team meetings are an essential part of our workflow, and they go beyond just staying on track with projects. We believe that delivering exceptional service to our customers starts with fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within our team. That’s why our regular team meetings are more than just project status updates. These gatherings create a safe space where our team members can openly communicate, exchange feedback, recognise achievements, and address any concerns or challenges they may face.

Team of electricians gather for a meeting at the warehouse

By encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, our Pie Days empower our team to grow professionally and personally. This collective growth translates into a more cohesive and motivated workforce, better equipped to tackle complex projects with efficiency and expertise. Plus, they’re a health and safety requirement too!

We’ve discovered that combining these catchups with a breakfast pie and coffee, a barbecue, or a themed event, works wonders for morale. It’s also our way of making these essential meetings something to look forward to. Our monthly events mix a ‘toolbox talk’ with a social element—an effective way to discuss health and safety, share administrative updates, and introduce new tools and technologies to the team.

But we don’t just talk the talk; we make these toolbox sessions as practical and engaging as possible. Sometimes, we’ll get electrical wholesalers or specialists to come along and get stuck into a hands-on demo of a new tool or product. The team can really get a feel for how it works and how it might make our lives easier. There’s nothing like seeing something in action to appreciate its value.

Recently, we got all the guys to bring their vans in, and the technician came in and did the mandatory fire extinguisher checks for us. Last month, a tool company came to show us some new drills and they also put on a barbeque for the lads.

These sorts of visits aren’t just nice to have. They result in benefits to our clients and our business too. A few months back, a company came in to show us some of their products, including some tiny little motion sensors no bigger than your thumb. They were the perfect solution for a client who wanted the lights to come on automatically as they went up the stairs. One of the lads remembered the sensors and told the client about them, providing a solution to the client’s problem. Sometimes, we’ll be shown a product that saves time because it’s smaller and lighter. It saves us time, and it saves our clients money, too. It’s a win-win for everyone.

That’s the beauty of these sessions – they’re not just about ticking boxes, but about genuine knowledge-sharing and upskilling. We’re always looking for new tools, tricks, or products to help us work smarter, more efficiently, and deliver even better service to our clients.

At the end of the day, these monthly meet-ups are all about continuous improvement – for ourselves as individuals, our team as a whole, and the quality of work we can deliver to our clients. We take health and safety seriously, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a dry, box-ticking exercise. By keeping things casual, interactive, and (let’s be honest) keeping our team well-fed with pies, we can engage with the material and make positive changes that ripple into everything we do.

A group of Trades men listening to a team meeting

So, while Pie Day Fridays (or Tool Box Tuesdays) might sound like a fun tradition, they’re much more than that.

Ultimately, our commitment to regular team meetings is a testament to our dedication to providing our customers with the highest level of service. By nurturing a collaborative and supportive environment, we cultivate a team of technically proficient professionals familiar with our client’s unique needs and expectations.

What does your favourite pie filling say about you?

Mince and Cheese Pie
Fans of mince and cheese pies bring a bit of fun and cheerfulness wherever they go. They have an easygoing nature and enjoy a bit of indulgence. They tend to be sociable, optimistic, and often the life of the party.

Butter Chicken Pie
Choosing a butter chicken pie signals an adventurous spirit. These individuals will likely have a curious and open-minded approach to life, always willing to try new things and embrace different cultures. They enjoy exploring new flavours and experiences and are often spontaneous and enthusiastic.

Steak and Mushroom Pie
Those who prefer steak and mushroom pies have a taste for the finer things in life. They appreciate depth and complexity, not just in their food but also their experiences and relationships. These individuals are often thoughtful and introspective and enjoy a bit of sophistication in their daily routines.

Steak and Cheese Pie
Steak and cheese pie enthusiasts appreciate a balanced approach to life. They enjoy the blend of hearty steak with creamy cheese, reflecting a personality that values harmony and balance. These people are reliable and steady and are often seen as a stabilising presence among their friends and family.

Potato Top Pie
Lovers of potato top pies seek comfort and warmth. They are nurturing and caring, always ready to offer support and kindness to others. These individuals cherish the feeling of home and security, often creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere wherever they go.

If you’ve enjoyed this, you’ll enjoy our other blog articles, too! Click here if you’d like to find out more about us and book a job or estimate.

A steak pie

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