Talent development professional Bryan May calls 2023 “the perfect storm.” We have construction business development and project opportunities we haven’t seen in years. And a labor shortage the likes of which are unmatched in the construction industry. We should have seen it coming, says May. You can no longer ignore the recruiting and retention advice you’ve been given.
- Glass ceilings and hidden agendas are not desirable qualities for any business. Company transparency is part of your company’s culture.
- U.S. kids play technology games. As adults, they expect technology development and opportunities at work.
Investment or Expense? Your Construction Business Company Culture
Young men and women are no longer seeing a 4-year college degree as a good investment. This is the chance our industry has waited for. Construction internships offer education with pay rather than debt. But potential employees want to work for a company that embraces white-collar corporate standards within a “blue-collar” environment.
Construction company culture is critical. Here are your options:
- Survival – Work with fewer employees and bid fewer projects.
- Denial – Continue to bid on jobs you can’t deliver on time or within budget.
- Development – Commit to growing your business by cultivating worker engagement and opportunity.
Approximately 80% of jobseekers will consider your company culture before applying.
- Diversity and inclusionary policies are practiced by desirable companies.
- Employees want to work for companies that care about their welfare.
- Ethical leadership and principled management are vital.
- The most successful hiring programs emphasize career development and employee engagement.
- Two-thirds of employees say company culture is why they will stay.
It’s not that hard to create a company culture that appeals to jobseekers and lowers employee turnover. Company culture is:
- A safety-first environment
- Leadership and supervisors that lead by example
- Pride in working for a business that encourages personal growth and development
- Respect for others and pride in quality workmanship
Fluctuating prices, material shortages/substitutions, and supply chain challenges are faced by construction business managers every day. This makes business development something we tend to push back. How we spend money is critical. Only you can decide if company culture is an unnecessary expense or an essential investment.
Companies that use technology are more successful as employers. Our marketing strategists want to share what they know about our technology: construction business development. It costs nothing to request information. And it might be one of the best investments you’ll make this year.