Construction HR managers admit that working in a construction site is not always a great experience for field employees. The work can be exhausting, not to mention the prospect of facing real dangers in the field. That is why high employee turnover is one of the most challenging issues in the construction industry today.
For this reason, construction HR managers are finding it difficult to retain skilled workers and attract new talent to fill jobs. The recent Commercial Construction Index from the USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce showed that 58% of contractors experienced high difficulties in finding skilled workers in the last quarter of 2018, worse than the same period in 2017.
This persisting employee turnover is one of the key issues that construction HR managers need to address. Having to deal with employee turnover on top of protecting lien rights to address payment issues can be too much to handle for any construction business.
If there is a pattern of losing employees over a short period, it will result in multiple issues including the loss of productivity and lower workforce morale. Ultimately, it can threaten the existence of your company.
Here are some of the ways you can improve employee engagement to address the construction industry’s high turnover issue.
1. Define your company’s values and culture
Your company’s mission and vision statement are not just something you let employees memorize during onboarding. These are the principles that should guide how your business operates.
If there is a disconnect between your company values and the actions of management, this will give employees a negative perception of the company. With consistent leadership, you will be able to shape your own culture for the better.
2. Hire the right staff members
Searching for workers to fill construction jobs is still one of the major challenges in the industry. That said, the hiring process is still key to keeping employee engagement high.
Your construction company will thrive if you hire the right people in the first place. When employees are well-suited for the job, it will have a positive impact on their engagement.
Improve your hiring process by keeping job requirements realistic and straightforward. Make jobs attractive to fresh talent by having competitive compensation and benefits. Highlight your safety record and offer new employees training opportunities and a clear career track.
3. Improve teamwork and mentorship
Workers face a lot of real dangers in the field, so it is crucial that they protect each other while working. For this reason, it is important to create an environment that fosters camaraderie and trust.
One of the best ways to do this is by establishing a mentorship program. This way, workers can get to know their colleagues and superiors and, at the same time, there is a transfer of knowledge and skills ensuring the future of your company.
4. Include employees in decision-making
Another way to foster employee satisfaction and engagement is to foster an environment where their perspectives and opinions are valued. When employees know that their own ideas have a great impact on the success of the company, it will instill in them a sense of responsibility and make them feel that they are making a difference.
Make sure that you have open doors to accept employee feedback and suggestions. This is even more impactful in the construction industry where field employees have valuable insight that management-level employees may not possess. Check-in with your employees regularly and make a genuine effort to act on their feedback and implement their ideas.
The issue of persisting high employee turnover can only be dealt with by your willingness to change. It is not a problem that can be solved overnight. But by taking a look at your culture, improving your hiring process, and investing in your employees, you can start improving employee engagement one step at a time.
