The construction industry is always evolving, from new building technology and techniques, to the latest regulations and its relationship with a turbulent economy. This is especially true right now as a number of unique factors converge—like the pandemic and a fast-growing focus on green projects.
To remain in control and meet modern challenges, it’s essential for construction executives to equip their workforce with the latest tools and training. Below, find three strategies for preparing your workforce for 21st-century jobs.
1. Reinforce the latest health and safety guidelines
The health and safety of workers is always a top priority—and especially now, amid an ongoing pandemic. If the workforce is injured or sick or a project isn’t up to regulation, everything grinds to a halt.
At the onset of any project, employers should conduct thorough job hazard and job safety analyses to ensure complete OSHA compliance. This process entails what contractor might expect, like identifying chemical, electrical and other risks on the jobsite, but it also includes steps like hiring and designating project safety personnel.
2. Keep workers up to date on the latest technology
To meet current and ever-changing challenges in the industry, it’s essential for employers to keep abreast of—and then deploy—new technologies. Mastering the latest tech almost always lowers budgets and keeps projects on schedule.
Right now, techniques like prefabrication and modular construction are gaining momentum because they allow for higher-quality products and faster build times. They also produce less waste than more traditional modes of building.
Another trend: Contractors are increasingly using digital model-based technologies. These 3D software programs allow builders to map out every detail of a project—and even pinpoint potential risks and challenges—without leaving the office chair. Right now it’s mostly vertical building contracts that use this technology, but more and more civil contractors are also getting on board.
3. Hire and train your workforce intelligently
Construction firms should always tailor their workforce to meet the roles and responsibilities of the day. This is especially true right now, when labor shortages are common across the industry. For example, due to the pandemic, firms are struggling to find and retain craft workers who conduct masonry, steelwork, carpentry and other trades. Craft workers who work at an hourly rate are especially difficult to find.
Employers should also pay close attention to green jobs. That is, architects, carpenters, electricians and other workers with special training in making projects environmentally friendly. The growth of the LEED certification program in recent years is proof that green jobs are gaining momentum: Whereas only two projects earned LEED certification in 2000, today more than 100,000 projects have been LEED-certified.
So what can employers do to ensure they have craft workers and green-savvy workers on staff? One method is working alongside community-based organizations (CBO) that can help create a pipeline of skilled workers. These local nonprofits excel at identifying, introducing and even training local talent. (For that reason, they’re also a great resource if your project has local hiring requirements.)
In addition to CBOs, employers should take advantage of the newest methods for hiring, training and scheduling. For example, more than half of large construction firms are now using online or video-based learning programs. And about one-third of large firms are offering career-building education programs to ensure their workforce is always growing.
While the construction industry is constantly changing, a firm’s most valuable asset will always be its workforce. Employers must make sure they’re practicing the above strategies. A modern, well-equipped workforce can tackle any challenges that come its way.
