Don’t let the construction labor shortage slow you down
The shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry has been a problem for over two years. A 2015 survey conducted by AGC of America showed that 86% of respondents said their top challenge was filling hourly and salaried positions.
If there are an estimated 140,000 vacant positions open in the construction industry today, why are companies having such trouble finding skilled workers to fill those positions?
Tradesmen International explains that many of those experienced workers dropped out of the industry following the recession when they were unable to get jobs in the field.
In addition, they report: “A whole generation of younger workers are no longer even considering construction as a viable career option. Now, as older workers are retiring, there simply isn’t anyone ready to take their spots.”
This problem hasn’t seen much improvement over the last two years. In a May 2017 article from the Florida Herald Tribune, they explain that a recent report shows 80% of the nation’s builders citing labor as their major challenge this year.
Even though this sounds like a big hurdle, don’t back down from the fight. If your construction company is suffering from the labor shortage, here are some steps you can take to find the skilled workers you need and get back to business.
Offer and support additional training
By offering and supporting apprenticeships and additional training, you can hire from within. Everyone wants the best worker for every job, but sometimes the best workers have to be built from the ground up; trained by the hands of your top employees. This will not only entice them to stay with your company for the long haul, but also give them the skills they need to be successful on whatever job you put them in.
Dish out the cash
In that 2015 survey mentioned above, one of the biggest gripes among respondents was that they were losing employees to competitors. The solution here is simple: If you want the best, you have to pay for the best. Widening your budget to afford those skilled workers at a premium price will pay off for you in the end. More skilled workers means more big jobs for you.
Improve efficiency
Running an efficient company is likely your end goal no matter what the labor situation looks like, but it’s increasingly important right now. In an interview with Construction Dive, Tim O’Brien, a construction company owner said, “We have to be able to offer our workers certainty so they know when they show up to do their thing, the materials are all there and we are ready to get going without delay. It is forcing us to be a more efficient company.”
One way to be a more efficient company is with construction CRM software like Thunderbolt Pipeline. Not only will does this program help to eliminate messy spreadsheets when keeping tabs on a project, but it allows companies to model out a years’ worth of labor needs so you know ahead of time who you need to hire, what job they need to be on and when.
Don’t let the construction labor shortage slow you down. In your industry, it’s standard to build something from nothing so don’t let this project be any different. Follow these steps and you’ll have the most talented workers on your side in no time.
