Hang On Firefighters Motivation: Job Crafting Research for Firefighter Retention

Firefighting is one of the more noble professions in our society. The other I think is the military. Policing can also be noble when it is done in accordance with our liberties and freedoms (Its a systems and culture issue that might need to be adjusted. Not to mention some of the political distortions around building great systems. It could be fixed and we could improve the system but we are not in that place as a society yet. There are lots of great cops I have met over my life. Strong and community oriented policing does and could do a lot of good. Why change efforts fail?). Designing jobs that create higher levels of engagement of firefighters and higher levels of retention are important. Job crafting is one way to attract and encourage retention in firefighting as well as the other public services. 

Job crafting is adjusting a job and its effort to retain and attract firefighters. In my labor relations experience it is often about cross training, drawing in skills to help the department, and/or create new pathways to the public. People join because they want to help, be part of a team and want to contribute in their own unique ways.

For example, one firefighter might be a muscle head and could teach about fitness and another an artist that can create flyers and public awareness materials. Being able to find ways for FF to use their natural abilities is important and its helpful (human capital development). 

This study is about Romanian firefighters but I'm sure some of findings might make sense in other places. Job Crafting and Performance in Firefighters: The Role of Work Meaning and Work Engagement

(As a quick side note. Even if you took the business or investor route in your life you can still either become a volunteer part-time or you can support your local firefighters by donating to organizations. It is good for corporations, tax deductions and it is good for public relations purposes. Not to mention the community. 501 (c)

 I know some great local firefighting departments that would love to upgrade their equipment and could put that money to good use for a variety of purposes.

For example, a single $10K grant allowed for new lights, safety equipment, roadside support and more. Another organization provided a smaller cash donation to ensure we have a little maneuvering petty cash money and another allowed us to get some car jacks, like you see in the video, so it goes a long way. 

Training money would also be of great to consider bringing in skilled trainers to teach not only those firefighters but also area fire departments. We are rural up here so everything helps. )