There has been a skills gap in the construction industry for some time, with years of training and experience required to be considered fully qualified. It’s difficult to recruit new starters due to fierce competition, but even more so when it comes to hiring experienced workers, as every construction company places such high value on them.
It’s not surprising that many construction businesses are so focused on retaining talent, instead of spending years nurturing new employees.
In this blog, we look at how you can retain your experienced staff, helping you continue to grow in the long-term.
How to retain talent in the construction industry
Give your staff the tools they need to do a great job
When it comes to construction, you need to work with quality tools. Your team needs to feel confident that what they’re using will be able to build something high-quality, otherwise this will impact every area of the project.
The best tools can help achieve better results, work faster, or provide peace of mind for workers on a busy site.
It can be expensive, but upgrading tools and keeping them up to date can make a big difference to your overall turnover.
Invest in technology
But it’s more than just the construction tools. Design software, communication devices, and organisational tools can all help your team be more efficient with their work.
If your team struggles with slow or outdated software, or multiple platforms that won’t work together seamlessly, it’s a pain point that other companies can and have solved, and could be a reason that causes your employees to start looking for another job.
If you invest in technology, it shows your team that you’re serious about helping them do the best job possible.Taking the time to bring in experts to train them with new tech similarly sends the message that you’re on their side, and that you want them to succeed.
Provide opportunities for learning and development
Investing in employee development is a key strategy for retaining top talent. Offering opportunities for training and growth can show employees that you value their skills and support their career development.
You can do this through training programs, workshops, and sponsoring certifications. Employees are more likely to remain engaged and loyal when they see growth opportunities within their organisation, especially when that organisation has already enabled and supported their development.
Establishing mentorship and leadership programs can foster a sense of belonging and growth within the company, helping younger or less experienced employees learn faster than they would by themselves.
This has the added benefit of improving the overall culture, bringing teams closer together and helping different members feel like they can rely on each other.
Celebrate employee achievements
No matter what industry you work in, everyone wants a little recognition for their achievements in the workplace. Celebrating successes in the workplace can improve how your team feels about their work, and knowing that it’s seen and appreciated might make all the difference when it comes to retention.
When it comes to recognising employee achievements, it’s important to have a system in place. One of the simplest ways you can do this is by mentioning successes in company meetings, or in company-wide emails.
Keeping employees engaged and confident can really help retain your top talent. By investing in your team, providing opportunities for professional development, encouraging collaboration across the business, and recognising individual contributions and successes, you can create a positive work environment that retains staff, helping you stay well-equipped to succeed.
