Construction Workforce Shortages: How to Attract and Retain the Best Workers

Contractors, it’s time to acknowledge a tough reality: construction workforce shortages have been an enduring issue on job sites for quite some time. Despite the construction industry offering lucrative career opportunities with minimal barriers to entry and plenty of room for advancement, there is still a shortage of workers.

In this post, we will detail some great tips for contractors who want to attract and retain good workers. Taking these steps will help ensure that the full employee life cycle is successful from day one through retirement.

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Reduce Construction Workforce Shortages with Smart Hiring and Onboarding Processes

With one in five of the construction workforce being 55 years or older, it is estimated that the U.S. construction industry needs to attract about a half million new workers in 2024 to balance supply and demand. Within the next few years, a large portion of your HR efforts will have to focus on entry-level hires.

Make Your Workplace Inviting!

Picture this: a workplace so inviting that your new employees feel like they just scored the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From setting the right vibe to arming your crew with the tools and training they need; a killer hiring and onboarding experience is key. So, roll out the red carpet, dust off your people skills, and make that first-day sparkle like a diamond-tipped saw blade.

Here are some things that can help move the needle:

• Optimize Hiring – Streamlining your hiring process to improve the overall candidate experience and get to the offer faster by removing unnecessary steps.
• Welcoming Company Culture – Shake things up to make your company culture more welcoming for newbies. No one likes trying to break into existing cliques, pair them with a partner to navigate meeting their new coworkers.
• First Day for New Employees – Knock their socks off with an unforgettable first day. A fun intro announcement, team lunch, or quick icebreaker can make those first-day jitters melt away and provide instant relationship-building opportunities.
• Connect and Listen – Meet daily over the first week (or longer) to learn about their experiences and challenges. Take this feedback to heart and quickly adjust your processes as you learn what is working and what may need tweaking.

Train, Train, and Train Some More – Invest in Training to Boost the Value of Your Workforce

Investing in training will enhance the value of your construction-based workforce by continuously providing them with opportunities to learn and develop. Although there may be initial costs involved, consider it an investment in transforming your team into job site superheroes. Providing them with the knowledge needed to identify hazards, operate machinery proficiently, and defend against occupational risks will also act as the primary line of defense for your projects.

The main points for new workforce training in the construction industry should cover:

Equipment Safety

Provide comprehensive training on how to safely and effectively operate all machinery and equipment used on the job site.

General Construction Safety

Train your workers to identify and steer clear of any potential dangers, such as uneven terrain, exposed wiring, or hazardous materials.

Emergency Response

Teach your workers how to respond to emergencies and whom to contact for assistance. Provide clear guidelines on when it’s necessary to call for help, whether it’s for medical emergencies, equipment malfunctions, or other critical incidents.

Equipment Inspection

Train your workers to inspect equipment, structures, and materials for any signs of defects, damage, or wear and tear that could compromise safety or quality. Encourage them to report any issues promptly, so they can be addressed before they escalate.

Personal Protective Equipment

Ensure that your workers are equipped with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their tasks, such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Train them on when and how to use each piece of equipment correctly to minimize the risk of injury.

Misconduct Reporting

Foster a culture of accountability and safety by encouraging workers to speak up if they witness any unsafe or unethical behavior on the job site. Provide clear channels for reporting misconduct and ensure that all reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

By implementing a diverse range of training programs, you’ll not only shield yourself from potential conflicts with OSHA compliance but also reinforce your employee’s skill set.

Inspire and Engage – Foster Participation by Inspiring Engagement

A stable and supportive workforce translates to an excellent work environment. Uphold your team’s morale by attentively considering their insights and contributions in discussions while also introducing new challenges to keep them upskilling and consistently engaged.

When employees feel connected to their work and workplace, they’re more likely to give it their all. Here are some ideas to consider:

Build an Open-Door Policy

Actively engage with your workers and take the time to listen to their concerns, ideas, and suggestions. Create an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback, whether it’s about work processes, safety concerns, or personal issues.

Encourage Ownership

Keep your employees informed about the company’s goals, challenges, and plans for the future. Involve them in discussions about major decisions, projects, or changes that may affect their work. By being transparent and inclusive, you can foster a sense of ownership and commitment among your team members.

Share Project Plans and Goals

Regularly seek input from your employees about the efficiency of project plans and the effectiveness of safety protocols on the job site. Encourage them to share their observations, suggestions, and concerns to identify areas for improvement and ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Reward Performance

Acknowledge and reward employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and contributions to the team. Offer praise, incentives, or opportunities for advancement to recognize their efforts and encourage continued excellence. By publicly recognizing and promoting top talent, you not only boost morale and motivation but also retain valuable employees who drive success for your organization.

Empower Leadership

Empower your employees to take on leadership roles by providing opportunities for them to develop their skills and showcase their abilities. Encourage individuals who demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic to take on more responsibilities and leadership tasks. By nurturing potential leaders within your team, you can build a strong pipeline of talent for future growth and success.

Coaching & Mentoring – Harness this Power to Help Prevent Construction Workforce Shortages

The focus can’t rest solely on attracting individuals, but rather on ensuring that they stay motivated to accomplish their goals in the long run. This is where coaching and mentoring come into play. By providing useful advice and tapping into the experience of seasoned veterans, this powerful partnership catalyzes keeping your team ahead of competitors.

• Coach Partners – Coaching is like having a buddy or boss who watches what you do and gives you tips, pep talks, and advice to help you get through a tough process. It’s all about breaking things down step by step, so you can nail specific tasks.
• Mentor Guides – Mentoring is when someone who’s been around the block guides you on your career journey. They’re like your career guru, helping you figure out where you want to go and how to get there. Usually, you’re paired up with a mentor to keep improving your skills. They’re not just there to teach you, but also to show you the ropes and where you fit in the big picture at work.

Getting a coaching or mentoring program in place takes some effort, but it leads to better work and a tighter-knit team, which creates a ripple effect on the entire company.

Improving Construction Workforce Shortages Takes Commitment

It takes commitment from everyone on your construction company team to maintain a workforce of superior caliber, and it all begins with you. By building your team and employing these strategies, you will witness firsthand how your proficient staff not only flourishes but also makes them ambassadors of your brand. Happy employees will encourage those in their networks to join their amazing team. And with this level of dedication comes peace of mind knowing that problems typically affecting contractors – like OSHA violations or human resource dilemmas – have been eradicated for good!

FAQ: Construction Workforce Shortages – Answers to Common Questions

The material presented here is educational in nature and is not intended to be, nor should be relied upon, as legal or financial advice. Please consult with an attorney or financial professional for advice.