How to Attract and Retain Top Construction Talent
Late fall and winter are often slower seasons in commercial construction; during this time, commercial construction companies can shift their focus to preparing and strategizing their business goals for the following year. The slower season also presents the opportunity for addressing hiring needs and creating retention strategies. Let's examine how commercial construction companies can attract and retain top talent for 2024 and beyond.
Offer Competitive Compensation Packages
Top industry talent wants their employers to compensate them appropriately. It's imperative to provide employees with competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits that align with industry standards and reflect the value of their expertise.
Has it been a few years since you've updated your benefits package? Keeping up with the market is essential to attracting this top talent. Take your leadership team and HR department and do market research. What benefits are your competitors offering? How can you match or exceed these benefits?
Provide Opportunities for Career Growth
Create a clear path for career advancement by offering comprehensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to take on challenging projects that foster professional development.
Even though younger workers tend to switch jobs frequently, many prefer to find a company where they can stay longer to learn and grow. A mentorship program is a great way to help younger workers learn about the industry and the company. It's also an excellent way to keep senior employees involved with the team, and pairing them with a mentee allows them the opportunity to improve their leadership skills in an interpersonal way.
Foster a Positive Work Environment
Impressive benefits and comp packages will attract top construction talent. But how do you retain this talent? The work environment your company fosters is critical. The commercial construction industry can be stressful and chaotic due to the nature of work -- your company's culture doesn't need to match this. Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture that promotes teamwork, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and respected.
Emphasize Safety and Compliance
Anyone who works in construction knows the risks involved. When employees work for an organization that doesn't value safety as strictly as they should, they needlessly put their bodies and careers on the line. Prioritize workplace safety and strictly adhere to industry regulations, demonstrating a solid commitment to providing a secure and compliant working environment.
During the recruitment process, it's helpful for potential new hires to see your company's commitment to safety. Consider offering a link to your employee handbook and other safety materials while completing their application.
Invest in Technology and Innovation
Incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative tools that streamline construction processes, making the work environment more efficient and appealing to tech-savvy professionals seeking advancement in their field. For instance, cloud-based construction scheduling tools are becoming the norm in commercial construction. Your employees will appreciate your commitment to technology, and your projects will run smoother.
Highlight Company Values and Mission
One of the most common reasons employees leave a company is that they don't feel appropriately recognized. Commercial construction has lots of team elements to it by nature. However, it's still important to recognize and reward individuals who go above and beyond. Recognize and reward exceptional performance through various employee recognition programs, such as 'Employee of the Month' awards or performance-based bonuses, to boost morale and encourage excellence.
Implement Employee Recognition Programs
One of the most common reasons an employee will leave a company is that they aren't feeling recognized. Commercial construction has lots of team elements to it by nature. However, it's still important to recognize and reward individuals who go above and beyond. Recognize and reward exceptional performance through various employee recognition programs, such as 'Employee of the Month' awards or performance-based bonuses, to boost morale and encourage excellence.
Encourage Diverse Hiring
Promote diversity and inclusion in your recruitment efforts, acknowledging the benefits of a diverse workforce in fostering creativity, innovation, and a broader range of perspectives within the company. It's also essential to ensure that employees from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered throughout their time at the company.
Certain companies have come under fire for boasting about their "diverse hiring practices," but these diverse hires don't stay for more than a short time due to poor culture. Build retention by giving support before, during, and after the application process.
Maintain Clear Communication Channels
Establish open communication channels between management and employees to ensure transparency, address concerns, and provide regular feedback. Encourage a two-way dialogue to foster a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Work With Thomas D. Wilson Consulting Inc.
With these tips, you're on your way to building a rockstar commercial construction team for 2024. At Thomas D. Wilson Consulting, Inc., we've been through all the twists and turns the industry offers and are ready to consult on your projects. We are construction scheduling experts and know programs like SmartPM™, Primavera™, and many more.
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