The ongoing shortage of construction workers makes it more important than ever to retain your employees for as long as possible. One way to accomplish this is by developing long-term thinking among your team members. The more you encourage your workers to focus on their career development, the more likely they are to remain with your organization.
Implement these three ways to promote long-term thinking among your construction workers.
1. Discuss Certification Areas
Encourage your team members to get certified in the areas they work in. Certification shows they are knowledgeable about specific subjects and practices and are committed to professional development. Some of the most popular certificates include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). Safety certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) also may be helpful. Environmental certification through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) or role-specific certification through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), or the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) can be beneficial as well. Any of these certifications can open up new opportunities that provide long-term career success.
2. Clarify Key Performance Indicators
Your team needs to have clearly defined goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) so they know what is expected of them and how they can achieve it. The goals and KPIs need to be realistic for the estimated timeframe, budget, and skill set. Be sure to ask your workers questions to determine whether they understand what to do and what the finished product should look like. Also, regularly check in to see how your team is doing, answer questions, and review progress. Additionally, talk with any workers who are off track or need assistance to help them get back to where they should be. Remind your team that meeting or exceeding goals and KPIs is a valuable skill for maintaining long-term career success.
3. Provide Feedback
Talk with each of your workers about what they are doing well, what they can improve on, and specific actions they can take to do better. Point out how even the smallest changes in their method can result in greater efficiency or more desirable results. Be sure to address any questions or concerns your workers have to show that they are heard and valued. Regularly check-in to see whether your team members are following through on the changes you discussed. Hold them accountable for their actions and results. Remind your workers that the more effort they put in to improve their performance, the more successful they will be long-term.
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