What Are the Challenges of Finding Construction Workers?
High Turnover Rates in the Industry
If you've ever hired someone who quit before the job was done, you're not alone. According to a Deloitte report on the 2024 engineering and construction industry outlook, high turnover rates plague the construction sector.
Labor Shortages and Skill Gaps
The skilled workers you need aren’t exactly in abundance right now. Across the country, the construction industry is feeling the pinch of a labor shortage. Finding a worker who can do more than swing a hammer has become harder than ever. And let’s not even talk about that widening skills gap—while experienced workers are heading for retirement, fewer young people are stepping up to take their place.
Economic Fluctuations Impacting Employment
The state of the economy has a big say in how easy it is to find construction workers. One minute, everyone's desperate for work, and the next, you're struggling to keep the good ones from being poached by a competitor. Economic shifts—whether it’s a boom or bust—impact who’s looking for work and who’s jumping ship.
How to Find Construction Workers and Retain a Skilled Workforce
1. Leverage Local Job Advertisements
Sometimes, the best workers are right under your nose. Start by advertising in local newspapers, community boards, and trade supply stores.
2. Partner with Agencies That Specialize in Construction Staffing
If you don’t have time to sift through resumes, there are agencies designed to do just that. Construction staffing agencies specialize in finding trades people who have the skills you need. They can help bring forward candidates who can hit the ground running.
3. Participate in Construction Trade Shows, Job Fairs, and Networking Events
Trade shows and job fairs aren’t just for suppliers and gear—these events are a goldmine for talent. Get yourself out there and rub elbows with potential hires as many contractors attend these events looking for better opportunities.
4. Post on Online Job Boards and Marketplaces
Websites like Indeed, Monster, and construction-specific job sites are among the best places to hire construction workers. Just make sure to target job boards that cater specifically to the construction industry—you’ll get fewer resumes from baristas and more from bricklayers.
5. Promote Job Openings and Company Culture on Social Platforms
Social media isn’t just for showing off your latest reno. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Instagram can help you find construction workers by promoting your company culture and posting job opportunities. Workers want to see who they’ll be working for—show them what your team is all about.
6. Create a Company Website and Career Page
Nothing says “we’re serious” like a slick company website with a dedicated careers page. Having a professional online presence builds trust and makes it easier for potential hires to apply. Make sure to showcase what makes your company a great place to work.
7. Collaborate with Local Trade Schools and Apprenticeship Programs
The next generation of construction workers is out there, learning the ropes. Partnering with local trade schools and apprenticeship programs can get you first pick of the upcoming talent. Plus, you’re helping the next generation get their start in the industry—a win-win.
8. Leverage Connections Through Trade Associations and Unions
Your best place to hire construction workers might be through the network you’ve already built. They can be a direct line to qualified candidates who are serious about their craft.
9. Implement Employee Referral Programs
Your best workers might just know where to find construction workers too. Employee referral programs encourage your existing crew to bring in friends or colleagues they trust, and who are likely to fit in with your team. Offering a small reward for successful hires never hurts either.
10. Attract and Retain by Offering Competitive Wages and Benefits
We can’t forget the big one: wages. In a competitive market, you need to offer decent pay and benefits if you want to keep good workers around. Beyond the paycheck, things like healthcare, bonuses, and even simple perks like providing lunch on-site can help make your company a more attractive place to work.
Integrate ClockShark for Management After Hiring
Finding the right workers is just half the battle. After hiring, you need a reliable way to keep things running smoothly on-site.
Streamline Recruitment with Job Management Software
ClockShark’s job management software makes it easier to organize your team after hiring. Once you've got your skilled workers on board, you can quickly assign jobs, track progress, and stay on top of who’s doing what. No more endless paperwork—everything’s right there in the system.
Optimize Scheduling and Dispatching
With ClockShark, scheduling and dispatching become a whole lot easier. You can optimize your team’s schedule, making sure the right workers are on the right job at the right time.
Strengthen Communication and Coordination
One of the key benefits of ClockShark is that it improves communication and coordination on the job site. The software allows you to share job details, schedules, and updates directly with your team. This reduces the chance of misunderstandings or delays due to missing info.
Finding Reliable Construction Workers with ClockShark: Example
Let’s say you’ve hired a few new workers. Great! But how do you know they’re the reliable sort? With ClockShark’s time-tracking features, you can see exactly who’s punctual and who’s slacking. The system tracks when they clock in and out, so you can easily spot patterns—whether they’re good or bad. Reliable workers? Keep them. Chronically late? Maybe not so much.
Incorporate Employee Buy-in for Time Tracking
One key to successful time tracking is getting your team on board. Let’s face it, if your workers aren’t buying into the system, no amount of fancy software will work. You need to explain the benefits—how it’ll make their lives easier and ensure they get paid for every minute worked. For more on how to approach this, check out this guide on employee buy-in for time tracking.
Prepare the Future Labor Market to Find the Right Construction Workers
It’s clear the construction industry faces challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining workers. But by adapting your recruitment strategies and using tools like ClockShark, you can position your business to attract skilled workers who’ll stick around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Construction Workers
Why is it getting harder to find experienced construction workers?
The labor shortage, combined with an aging workforce and fewer young people entering trades, makes it tougher to find construction workers with the right skills. The skills gap is widening, and experienced workers are becoming a hot commodity.
What questions should a construction candidate ask to ensure reliability?
Look for candidates who ask about your company’s stability, project timelines, safety protocols, and the potential for growth. These questions show they’re serious about their work and want to stick around for the long haul.
How do I attract younger workers to the construction industry?
To attract younger workers, you need to emphasize career development, competitive wages, and the opportunity to learn. Partnering with local trade schools and offering apprenticeships can also help draw in fresh talent.
What qualifications should I look for in construction workers?
At a minimum, look for basic certifications like a White Card and relevant trade qualifications. Beyond that, experience in the field, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential qualities for anyone working on your crew.
