The construction industry is currently facing a significant labor shortage, which is having a major impact on the industry as a whole.
According to National Center for Construction Education & Research, the US currently lacks around 430,000 construction workers and the industry has only recovered 67% of the jobs lost in March and April 2020.
This shortage is causing delays in projects, increasing costs, and making it difficult for companies to find the skilled workers they need to complete their work. The shortage is being caused by a number of factors, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest in construction careers among young people, and a lack of training and education opportunities for those who are interested.
The impact of the labor shortage is being felt across the construction industry. But there’s something you can do.
Bringing everything to the table
A competitive salary and benefits package is one of the best incentives a construction firm can offer new prospects. [Check out our salary guide here]
Through offering competitive pay and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, construction firms can attract and retain skilled workers who may have multiple job offers.
By investing in training and development programs, construction firms can upskill their current employees, making them more valuable to the organization and less likely to leave for other opportunities. This can also attract new talent who are looking for opportunities to advance their careers.
Stay on the cutting edge of technology
By using technology and automation, construction firms can increase efficiency and productivity, which can help them to complete projects on time and within budget, even with a shortage of workers.
Technology, such as building information modeling (BIM) and prefabrication, can increase productivity and reduce labor needs.
BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. It allows for better collaboration, communication, and coordination among the various parties involved in a construction project, thus reducing the need for on-site labor.
Prefabrication, on the other hand, is the practice of building components of a structure off-site, and then assembling them on-site. This can also help to reduce the amount of labor required on-site.
Finding talent in unexplored terrain
Making the effort to evaluate specialty recruiting options will help acquire talent in areas that are often overlooked. By partnering with local trade schools and apprenticeship programs, construction firms can recruit and train new workers, filling the skills gap in their workforce.
Recruiting from underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and veterans can also help construction firms increase diversity in their workforce, and bring new perspectives, ideas, and skills to the organization.
Be willing to accommodate
By offering flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, and part-time work, construction firms can accommodate the changing needs of their employees, which can help to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Having strong relationships with current employees can increase employee loyalty and retention as well, which can help to reduce the impact of the worker shortage. Incentives for current employees to refer new workers to the company can tap into their employee’s networks to find new talent.
Final Thoughts
The shortage of construction employees is a significant challenge for construction leaders and firm owners.
However, by implementing wise strategies and prepare for future trends, construction firms can effectively compensate for the shortage of workers and continue to grow and succeed in their industry.
For more information on how to solve staffing issues in the construction industry, please contact us here.
Are you a hiring authority in need of construction talent? Submit a search request today.
