The construction sector in the UK is facing significant staff shortages. The workforce is ageing, with the majority facing retirement soon. Additionally, the number of apprentices coming into the industry has also fallen.
It’s proposed that we’ll need more than 250,000 more workers by 2026 just to meet growing demands. Salary increases simply aren’t enough; construction businesses need to understand how to engage and retain employees within their organisation.
If workers feel more content in their roles, they’ll likely perform better, reducing turnover and the costs associated with it. So, what are some of the ways you can improve employee satisfaction in your company?
Create a safe working environment
As a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring your employees remain safe whilst on the job. The construction industry in particular is one where safety should be a top priority.
Creating a working environment where employees feel safe can contribute to high productivity levels and improved quality of work. This means implementing as many safety measures as possible to reduce the risk of accidents.
All employees should be fully trained, regardless of expertise. The training should cover all bases, including operating machinery, communication and safety procedures. Refresher sessions are a great way of re-informing employees on safety measures.
You also have a duty to provide your employees with the necessary protective equipment, which will depend on the type of work being carried out. Employees should be aware of how to wear each item correctly and these should be professionally fitted for each individual.
Provide clear objectives and encourage communication
In order for everyone within your organisation to stay focused and connected with your goals, it’s crucial that they are provided with clear objectives. This isn’t as straightforward as just outlining the objectives, you must also educate them on how to achieve these goals.
Figure out what key performance indicators need to be assessed and talk them through what went well and what could do with some improvement. Don’t be afraid to provide constructive feedback but make sure this includes actionable recommendations for improvement, presented in a more informal manner.
Trust is one of the foundations of employee engagement, meaning you must be honest with your workers and open to gathering feedback. An open-door policy is a great way of achieving this, allowing employees to voice any concerns free of judgement.
Boost employee morale
There are many benefits of improving the morale of your employees, which include increased productivity rates, higher attendance and greater cooperation. Boosting morale isn’t always easy and may require a combination of incentives and opportunities.
Initially, try to observe and evaluate the behaviour of your staff. Obvious signs of low morale include overall demeanour, poor work quality and lack of enthusiasm. You could also conduct an anonymous survey to gather information on whether your workers consider there to be sufficient growth opportunities and employee benefits.
The easiest way to improve the motivation of your employees is to offer some form of incentive for reaching milestones or performing well. This could include additional days off work or vouchers. Discounts can be effective as well, particularly if they promote staff wellness, such as gym membership.
Moreover, you should aim to provide your employees with adequate opportunities for development and growth. If workers feel that they are unable to grow their skill set or advance any further, they may look elsewhere. Consider offering regular training sessions or assigning leadership roles. This way you can identify who has the potential to advance further in the company.
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