How to Protect Your Company from the Construction Industry Labor Shortage

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Construction Executive

Labor issues in the construction industry can be complex and pervasive. The cost of high turnover is especially jagged when it comes at a crucial time in the project’s duration. On the other hand, a shortage of skilled workers can prevent a project from even staring.

When employees leave – either because you fired them or they resign, their absence leaves a hole. When you can’t fill that hole due to a labor shortage, your entire business is at risk. Clearly, most companies can see how a labor shortage can bankrupt a business. The goal is to be proactive instead of reactive. That’s why the staffing professionals at CCS Construction Staffing have come up with a list of ways you can protect your company from the construction industry’s potential labor shortage.

Understand cause and effect

As the construction continues to improve after the Great Recession, the need for skilled workers increases. An Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) survey revealed that 74 percent of construction firms are having trouble finding qualified workers, and more than half are struggling to fill professional positions like estimators and engineers. The reason? Trade workers with the right skills and capabilities for the job are being scooped up by companies offering stellar benefits.

Offer amazing benefits

You may not be able to offer more pay to attract top tier construction workers, but you can offer an unbeatable benefits package. It’s job seeker’s market, so instead of dealing with a labor shortage by engaging in risky hiring practices, try offering packages other companies can’t. Give options for flex time, health insurance and use of company vehicles. Sweeten the deal and you’ll have the upper hand when it comes to dealing with a labor shortage.

Hire for the future

Hiring an experienced skilled laborer with the potential to grow can help your crew stay robust during a shortage. True, the employee may not be the right fit right now, but investing some experience and training can get him or her there when the time is right. When you pair that worker up with someone more skilled and experienced, you’re creating opportunities for the employee and your company.

Labor issues can be an enormous expense for construction companies big and small. Fortunately, it’s also one expense that can be planned for. When companies come to CCS Construction with staffing issues, we create solutions that fit their specific needs. Our recruiters can connect your company with highly trained and advanced construction employees, ready to get to work right away, regardless of a labor shortage. Call us today!

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