The conquest of workforce challenges

One of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry is the shortage of skilled workers. While construction careers offer competitive pay, many young people are unaware of the opportunities available to them, with the misconception that construction jobs are low-skill and low-paying.

Truth is, there are ample opportunities for new workers, including both college graduates and skilled tradespeople from parallel industries. By catering to all types of workers, the construction industry is evolving to offer above-average pay and exciting trajectories for laborers, foremen, supervisors, workers with learned skills, and much more.

Traditionally, there has been a misconception that a college education is not best utilized for the construction industry. However, with colleges now offering specialized programs in construction management and project management, perceptions are changing. These programs provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry while also helping to elevate the status of construction-related careers. More students are considering careers in construction, leading to a more diverse and skilled workforce. For companies looking to start recruiting, career fairs at colleges provide an excellent opportunity for construction companies to connect with young talent and showcase the opportunities available in the industry.

The role of women

As companies in the industry adapt to the rapidly changing state of the workforce, women need to be a bigger part of the conversation. Historically, women have not been represented in the construction field. With a significant number of female workers today interested in taking on construction roles, encouraging even more young women is a great way to find new talent. Attracting and retaining women in the industry, along with the new generation, requires sufficient recruiting.

Although there is an increase in women’s presence in the construction industry currently underway, the female demographic only makes up about 10-14% of the workforce. A major barrier to entry often stems from women not considering the industry as a viable career option. However, initiatives aimed at high schools and colleges are actively working to change this perception. One significant challenge is creating a supportive and welcoming environment, and to address this, there is a need for female role models and mentors within the industry.

Additionally, basics like having nice clean restroom facilities on a jobsite will go a long way in attracting and keeping women working in the field. Frequently calling attention to this issue is Tricia Kagerer, Executive VP of Jordan Foster Construction.

“If we want to be intentional about attracting and bringing a workforce to our industry, and women are part of that industry, we need to make sure that something as simple as, ‘Where do I go to the bathroom?’ is available to women,” she comments.

Kagerer recalls this issue coming up at a recent conference where a man in the room raised his hand and mentioned he would never bring any of his nine sisters near a construction site due to the porta-potty situation. “It’s the little things,” she adds. “We have to be thinking differently.”

Attracting and Retaining Talent

As the construction industry continues to evolve, so too must its workforce. With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement age, there is a growing need to attract and retain new talent, providing them with the training and support they need to succeed in the industry. This is particularly important as the demand for construction projects continues to rise.

Numerous opportunities can be seized by individuals with all types of experience, from entry-level laborers to those with learned skills, as well as foremen, supervisors, and more. Another way to attract young people to the industry is through apprenticeship programs. These programs provide hands-on training and allow young people to learn valuable skills while earning a competitive wage. By investing in these programs, construction companies can develop a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the demands of the future.

One critical aspect of the long-term success of construction companies is the retention of skilled workers. Many companies have found success benchmarking against the overall market, not just direct competitors, to ensure that compensation packages remain competitive. In an industry where workers have many options, both in construction and in other industries, it's crucial to offer enticing wages.

However, it's not enough to simply offer these benefits; employees must understand and appreciate them. Providing clear explanations and making benefits easily accessible is vital, and offering flexibility is also key. The industry is often faced with strict deadlines and specific work hours. To stand out, providing flexibility shows that you recognize and respect the lives of your employees outside of work.

The reality is that workers will almost always be able to find higher pay, yet the proper work-life balance cannot be replaced and is a powerful strategy for retaining workers. The same as workers in every other industry, construction professionals want to be able to schedule time off for family events, even if the company is still working that day.

Whether the solution is offering alternative work schedules or providing extra days off after intense periods of work, flexibility can be a significant factor in keeping your top talent from going elsewhere.