5 Ways to Attract Skilled Construction Labor

Employers must use a multi-faceted approach to attract and retain skilled laborers in the competitive construction industry. Offering competitive pay and benefits packages, investing in training and development, and providing a positive work environment can position companies to attract top talent. Skilled employees will stay with employers who keep them committed and motivated with additional factors such as modern technology and tools. Focus on and invest in these critical areas to draw a skilled workforce to your construction business.

1. Get Competitive with Wages and Benefits

To attract skilled construction workers, ensure that you know the wage ranges for local construction workers by conducting regular market research. Offer a competitive wage to employees, and when it comes to overtime pay, incentivize workers with high overtime wages to boost earnings and motivate them to work extra hours as needed. One way to immediately attract talent is by providing sign-on bonuses for the type of skilled laborers you want or need for your business. Commit to giving regular raises based on employee performance and length of time at the company to reward workers' hard work and loyalty.

In terms of benefits, health and dental insurance should be offered, along with a comprehensive plan that covers common health issues and injuries related to incidents commonly occurring in construction work. Additionally, life insurance should be included as part of the package to give skilled employees the peace of mind that their family's future is taken care of. Speaking of peace of mind, implement a retirement plan such as a 401(K) and provide employer matching to attract skilled labor and appeal to their desire for long-term financial security. Finally, a good amount of paid time off (PTO) should be provided so employees can enjoy work-life balance with adequate vacation, personal leave, and sick days.

2. Offer Career Development and Training

In a difficult market where it is hard to attract skilled construction workers, you may need to "grow" your own skilled personnel. Hire hard-working employees who might not have all the experience you need, and invest in their career growth. Establish an apprentice program that can give hands-on training and mentorship from the skilled laborers you already have on staff. Offer workshops that help workers develop advanced skills and construction techniques. You can accelerate the learning curve of new hires by pairing them with an experienced mentor to provide additional guidance. Existing employees should be encouraged to cross-train in various construction tasks or projects to create more versatility in the company's workforce and additional employee skill-building.

Offer education opportunities for workers by sponsoring their attendance at industry trade shows and conferences. This strategy can help attract skilled construction workers by giving them networking opportunities and a chance to learn about new construction industry trends. Consider offering tuition assistance for continuing or further education in construction management or other related fields. You can also motivate employees to continue their education by reimbursing them for relevant certifications they earn, like LED, OSHA, or NCCER.

3. Provide a Positive Work Environment

Foster a safe and respectful work environment by adhering to OSHA safety standards and providing employees with regular training on the latest safety protocols. Additionally, ensure laborers have well-maintained, high-quality equipment to use on the job, which will increase work efficiency, reduce frustration, and keep employees safe.

Improve work results and create a more productive job environment by encouraging open communication between workers and managers. This strategy ensures that concerns and job-related issues or roadblocks are promptly addressed. Provide training for employees on conflict resolution to ensure good teamwork and harmony. Additionally, leadership training should be considered to help managers and supervisors remain approachable, especially in problematic situations, and supportive of employees regardless of what happens. Organize team-building activities after work to further strengthen teamwork and camaraderie among laborers. Create a work environment that promotes inclusion and diversity to create an environment that welcomes all employees. Finally, recognize employees by instituting a program that rewards outstanding work quality and dedication.

4. Integrate Modern Technology and Tools

Lighten their paperwork load and make other parts of the job easier for employees by implementing management software for construction firms to track project progress and provide a communication portal for all layers of employees. Additionally, mobile apps can help employees track their time, report on job progress, and access project plans and other documents. Consider investing in the latest construction tools and equipment to improve employee safety and job productivity. Provide training for employees on these new tools and technologies to ensure they are comfortable using them and have a good level of proficiency. At a minimum, technology related to sustainability should be considered. Sustainable practices and technologies will continue to increase in importance and appeal to environmentally conscious workers. For example, consider incorporating green building practices for decks, ensuring that the methods and materials the company uses are sustainable and environmentally friendly. This strategy meets the growing demand for eco-friendly construction techniques and positions your business as a leader in sustainable building.

Help employees perform better on tasks like material handling and site inspections by utilizing drones and robotics on site. Virtual reality (VR) training should be used for high-tech training, allowing workers to practice their skills in a no-risk, simulated construction environment. Finally, explore the latest 3D-printing technology to create construction models and potentially even construction components.

5. Embrace Flexible Work Schedules

Construction doesn't typically offer the ability to work remotely like many other job types. However, offering flexible work schedules is another essential way to attract skilled laborers. One of the most accessible options is to allow flexible starting and ending times each day to help employees who need to manage personal commitments before or after work. Offering compressed work weeks, such as a four-day week, allows employees to work fewer days by adding a few hours each day. In some cases, it might make sense to implement a job-sharing arrangement that could attract skilled employees seeking work for only part-time hours.

Another simple way to provide flexibility to workers is to permit the ability to swap shifts. This strategy means there is no disruption to operations, yet employees still have flexibility in their schedules if needed. Provide employees with additional personal days if they need to handle unexpected life events, and do not penalize them for this. If weather becomes an issue for workers, adapt the work schedule pertaining to the season to account for these weather conditions and the personal needs of the workers. Finally, for roles that do not require employees to be on-site constantly, provide remote project management tools and options for those roles.

Investing in Skilled Labor Can Help Your Business Succeed

Incorporating these methods into your business can significantly impact the quality of workers your company will attract and retain. By providing a competitive pay and benefits package, opportunities for career development and a positive environment with flex-work options, you will demonstrate commitment to your employees' well-being and career growth. Whether you specialize in pool deck repair service or any other construction services, investing in attracting skilled labor may be the secret ingredient that takes your business to the next level.