Given the unprecedented circumstances of this past year, construction industry leaders have found themselves constantly reevaluating the market to ensure that talent is retained through the turbulent times. Today, the industry demand is on the rise again, and navigating talent acquisition and retention is essential.
Contractors must meet deadlines to deliver timely completion of their clients’ projects, so the call for skilled and qualified workers is being heard and will keep getting louder. So, how can construction companies attract and retain top talent in the industry to keep up with the influx of projects coming through the pipeline?
Competitive Pay and Benefits
The most appealing job offer must include a competitive pay structure including incentives, perks and bonuses. There is not one qualified candidate out there who will not agree that pay is one of their top priorities. Personal leave, vacation time and paid holidays are also high up on every candidate’s wish list, as well as a strong work-life balance such as wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyle programs.
Additionally, it is essential to offer excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, some additional group insurance options at no or low cost and other attractive benefits that other companies may not offer. Thinking outside the box is advised—find inspiration from what other employers are doing and take employee surveys to determine what else is desirable. Giving employees perks to brag to their friends about will result in more job market leads.
Training and Education
Offering an apprenticeship program for those wanting to learn the trade or are just entering the workforce for the first time is invaluable. Providing ongoing training, education and learning for employees of all experience levels ensures long-term success and professional growth and generates a sense of pride and accomplishment.
At Phoenix-based Canyon State Electric, an enticing benefit to prospective and current employees is the Canyon State Electric University. This free, in-house training program was created with the intention and purpose of enabling employees to further build upon current skills, as well as develop new skills and certifications that will propel them forward in their careers, as well as potentially open the doors to new opportunities and income brackets. All classes that are offered also ensure that, as a contractor, the company consistently delivers quality craftsmanship to its clients.
Company Culture
The absolute key to talent retention is a collaborative, inclusive company culture that focuses on mutual trust, open communication and fair treatment of everyone. Culture should be driven by a set of core values the company identifies and integrates into every aspect of the business—from the way the teams manage a project and work on solutions together, to how team members interact with each other, clients and business partners alike.
Introducing new employees to the culture starts with a welcoming and informative onboarding process, along with a seasoned employee mentoring the newcomer without judgment. On top of this, there should be an approachable manager who can help answer questions, facilitate proper introduction of the new employee to the team and ensure that new team members are included in all meetings, events and communications.
In the electrical industry, a significant percentage of the workforce speaks Spanish as a first language. Providing bilingual mentors and Spanish language training and onboarding materials can significantly improve the workplace experience for the highly valued group of individuals.
Another invaluable contribution to the culture is focusing on the managers and how they connect to their teams. Employees want feedback and a good working relationship with their managers. It’s common for employees to value recognition from their superior, so it’s important for leaders to encourage employees regularly and demonstrate sincere appreciation. At the end of the day, nothing is more uplifting than a compliment or a “thank you” for a job well done.
Have Fun
Team activities and events are highly beneficial for retention as they boost morale and encourage team bonding. Companywide events create a stronger sense of community among all employees. Whether taking the crew to sporting events or go-kart racing, hosting holiday events or family picnics, organizing in-house team-building activities or volunteering together to benefit a charity—all serve the purpose of instilling a sense of belonging.
Happy employees will act as advocates for the company, spread the word and encourage friends and former coworkers to apply, which in turn will cause more qualified talent to join the team and stay.
