In the world of construction, the value of holding onto skilled employees has always been clear. Keeping your team intact will pave the way for more efficient job sites and better results. But in today’s construction landscape, marked by a shortage of skilled labor, the importance of employee retention has surged to a whole new level.
Despite its importance, retaining employees is still a big challenge for many companies. In fact, 63% of U.S. companies find it harder to retain employees than to hire them (1). So, what’s the key to holding on to your invaluable workforce?
The answer: a positive company culture. Many construction companies underestimate and overlook this critical factor, which is a mistake they can’t afford to make. A staggering 77% of employees say that a strongly engaged culture makes them do their best work (1). With statistics like that, all companies in the construction industry should make their company culture a top priority.
What exactly is company culture in the construction industry, and how does it improve employee retention? Let’s dive into the heart of this matter, exploring the dynamics of a thriving company culture and the steps needed to create one in the demanding construction world.
What is Company Culture in Construction?
Company culture is the collective personality of an organization. It’s the values and beliefs that guide your business’s mindset, influencing how people interact and how work gets done. A strong and positive company culture not only helps retain employees but also contributes to the overall success and reputation of the company.
At PDI, our company culture is reflected in our motto: ‘The only thing we build better than walls is relationships.’ We prioritize building strong relationships with our subcontractors, general contractors, clients, suppliers, and fellow tradesmen. These relationships are built on a foundation of:
- Mutual respect
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Integrity
By presenting a positive work culture, we maintain an environment where our subcontractors love to work for us and other companies love working with us.
Let’s dive into the four elements that build a positive and successful company culture, starting with our company philosophy…
1. Build Strong Relationships
A positive company culture is all about building a workplace that people genuinely want to be a part of. The secret to achieving this includes a simple formula with profound results: build strong relationships.
Nurturing these relationships is the key to fostering loyalty and ensuring every team member feels genuinely valued. When employees invest emotionally in their workplace, they’re motivated to do their best work.
To accomplish this type of company culture it’s essential to prioritize positivity, mutual respect, and communication. At PDI, we believe in treating everyone with kindness. Our job sites are known for their positive atmosphere, free from unnecessary conflict. By nurturing and maintaining these strong relationships, we do more than minimize employee turnover. We also ensure that a consistently skilled team is at the ready to get the job done at all times.
2. Coaching and Training
Effective skill development and training are key to both worker satisfaction and long-term retention. These programs not only nurture personal growth but also build a deeper bond between your employees and your company, fostering loyalty.
Quality coaching and training empower your workers to find fulfillment in their roles. Instead of just clocking in, they’ll see their job as a career where they can refine their skills and advance.
As time passes, offering increased responsibilities challenges your employees, driving further skill development and progression. This pays off by retaining employees and enhancing overall company efficiency. Your company culture will reflect growth, loyalty, and positive career advancement (2).
3. Effective Leadership
A strong company culture starts at the top. As a leader, your ability to create a positive and productive work environment is paramount for attracting and retaining top talent. Effective leadership isn’t something that just happens — it requires effort, time, and attention to detail.
Understanding the day-to-day operations of your business is crucial. To achieve this, develop a comprehensive report that outlines the daily processes and the roles of each employee and subcontractor. Dive into the beginning, middle, and end of these processes. Remove all repetitive tasks and redundancies, prioritizing efficiency for each worker. It’s a time-consuming task, but the payoff is huge.
Once you have a clear picture of your company’s operations, share this knowledge with your existing team and incorporate it into the training of new hires. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also eliminates counterproductive tasks. Your employees will appreciate the streamlined processes that boost their productivity and, in turn, see your integrity and commitment to their day-to-day work. This fosters a company culture of mutual trust and personal investment in your business.
4. Communicate
Effective communication is the lifeblood of a thriving and productive community culture. It accelerates project timelines, boosts productivity, and bolsters morale. When people feel unheard, they often feel undervalued. To avoid leaving anyone on the sidelines, actively seek input from all team members, regardless of their position or hierarchy.
As a leader, remember that communication is a two-way street. People not only want to receive feedback, but they also want the opportunity to share their thoughts on their superiors’ performance. Embrace candid feedback, both positive and negative, and reward those who provide it.
An excellent way to prioritize communication is by holding regular performance reviews with your team. This feedback strengthens engagement and nurtures a commitment to excellence (2). The interactions also improve rapport and loyalty, leading to better employee retention and a company culture of mutual respect.
Elevate your Company Culture
Ready to transform your construction company’s culture and achieve excellent results? Contact me today to explore how my expert consulting services can elevate your team, projects, and overall success.
I work as a public speaker and consultant, helping companies improve their understanding of company culture, mentorship, gender diversity, effective communication, and project management. If your company seeks education and training in these areas, don’t hesitate to reach out.
References:
- https://legaljobs.io/blog/employee-engagement-statistics/#:~:text=40%25%20of%20US%20employees%20were,them%20do%20their%20best%20work.
- https://www.forconstructionpros.com/podcasts/contractors-best-friend/podcast/21992907/caterpillar-cat-the-contractors-best-friend-podcast-s6e2-how-coaching-and-mentoring-can-help-keep-your-employees
Photos: www.freepik.com
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