Why Small Construction Companies Need To Invest In Their Workers

Employees are the most crucial aspect of a construction company. Without them, there would be no business. For any business owner, investing in your workers will improve employee loyalty and satisfaction, efficiency and company culture. This kind of investment can even save money in certain areas.

Low-paying jobs without benefits or room for advancement are major reasons why some workers leave companies. Dangerous conditions, too, will deter employees. These dynamics can create a revolving door phenomenon of hiring and quitting, which comes with a price tag. Here are several reasons why small construction companies need to invest in their workers — and really any size company for that matter.

1. Training

When you hire new talent, you'll find the process can be tricky. Finding passionate employees with know-how is essential. However, taking an extra step to provide them with the best on-the-job training is necessary.

With this kind of guidance, your workers can learn about the best safety protocols to avoid dangerous situations, complete jobs efficiently and stay on top of their work. Every individual will come with different skills, but it's essential to provide paid effective safety training that takes those abilities to the level your business requires. That way, your workplace becomes one that your employees can commit to.

2. Pay and Benefits

If you run a small construction company, you know that finding money when you need it can be difficult. However, providing the best pay for your workers will give the business a desirable and competitive edge. If you spare funding in other areas, you can invest more in the workers.

Similarly, benefits are a critical part of a job. They can make or break an opportunity for some people. The best benefits to instate are:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans and matching
• Disability coverage
• Paid time off
• Incentives and bonuses

With these benefits in place, you'll draw in more talent. You'll also show current workers that security and safety are priorities, so they can feel more secure in their positions.

3. Flexible Schedules

In the construction industry, schedules can't always be completely flexible. However, if you can offer any flexibility, it helps your employees commit more to the job. For instance, many workers struggle to balance their work-life dynamics. They may have families, responsibilities or even other jobs they need to attend to.

When you provide the option for a flexible schedule, you will see beneficial outcomes. Workers can lend more to their roles and tasks when other responsibilities are free from their minds. Your company then profits from this because efficiency will subsequently improve. If you advertise this advantage to job candidates, you may see more applications, too.

4. Career Pathways

Career advancement isn’t just about the opportunity to earn more money, though this is crucial for up-and-coming construction workers. Establishing career pathways for workers establishes company loyalty — so give your employees an indication you notice when they go the extra mile.

Merit-based pay raises and recognition programs are important. Additionally, invest in apprenticeships, skill training and other opportunities to help a worker discover important career trajectories in the industry.

In a competitive labor market, you want to hold onto hard workers and help them develop into the leaders that will push your other employees, too. Workers like to know they have incentives to keep working. In turn, these rewards push employees to create the best projects and accomplish more for their futures.

5. Technology

New technology can optimize any workplace. For construction, especially, it can bring your company to the next level. With computing and programming platforms like 3D modeling, you can transform the project planning stage. Other technologies, like automation and workflow solutions, can make the workplace more efficient, too.

Remember, technology doesn't always cost a lot. It can be cheap or even free — Google Drive is a free resource where you can share and store documents and information in real-time. These tech platforms help employees complete work more easily. When they can access data and use this information from any location, the company can improve due to enhanced productivity.

6. Investment In People Pays Off

When you invest in these areas, you invest in your employees. In turn, you'll see the company flourish. Focusing on the workers, therefore, creates a mutually beneficial outcome. The job offers them adequate satisfaction, and they provide your business with their best work.

Holly Welles is a writer focusing on construction and real estate. Her work on safety and technology has been published in Construction Executive, Constructible and other online publications. Learn more about her work via her website, The Estate Update.