How do you attract and recruit the best workforce for your construction project?
Putting together a good team of construction tradesmen takes a great deal of effort. Given the issue of a labour shortage is a growing concern, hiring right and retaining those hired cries for more attention.
Many construction sites have complains about not being able to retain enough workers. They have a portion of their workers keep changing. It has become almost impossible to see a camp of workers last till the end of a project.?
The advent of the pandemic had only worsened the situation, with many tradesmen migrating back to their native and taking up other jobs. It has become a strenuous task to bring together a team, now more than ever. The unfavourable times further burden the builders and contractors.?
These factors may result in delays, cost overruns, and dissatisfaction among all stakeholders involved. However, you can take a few simple measures to mitigate this and assemble a suited team.
Attracting skilled tradesmen
Tackling the perpetual challenge in the construction industry: staffing to capacity.
While there could be a shortage of tradesmen at any time and locale, construction projects being unable to hire enough skilled persons cannot be attributed to this only.?
In many cases, people willing to work in the construction sector don't. It is owing to one or both of the following reasons:?
More often than not, you can address the issue by spreading the word about the project requirements: required manpower, along with details on what is offered to the workers.?
Certain other aspects can also attract skilled tradesmen, irrespective of the location of the construction project or theirs. Making them aware of opportunities pan-India, the rates and facilities offered will also encourage workers to explore.
Make opportunities visible?
Let skilled hands know you are looking for them
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Often, construction projects are not able to hire enough workers in a short period. It often happens because the job by itself is not popularly known. That is not visible to tradesmen.?
You can overcome this issue by sharing the project details. Say, conventionally with unions, contractors and any other associations. However, listing it on an online hiring platform may help even better. Applications like Karmayoga can help the listing reach a wider audience pan-India.
In many cases, workers who might be willing to shift to particular locations for their job aren't aware of the known opportunities available there. Reaching out to such prospective tradesmen can occur through Karmayoga.
Be transparent?
Let people know about the work and what it offers them.
It is crucial to be upfront about the requirements, facilities, and compensation when hiring. On the other hand, a transparent platform ensures that this information is made available for all—that is, anyone who may consider taking up the employment opportunity in the respective project.
Such gives a sense of integrity. When hirers do this, workers would be more inclined to consider their projects. It is possible up to an extent in the conventional job listing or word-of-mouth itself.?
Karmayoga makes this even better. In the Karmayoga app, those hiring can mention the available facilities and a ballpark of the compensation to be provided. Doing so, helps one get an idea of the project they will be taking up. This elicits more dedication if they decide to take up the job.?
Being transparent primarily helps to attract more labourers. Anyone would appreciate it if they got to know what they signed up for and they would be compensated with.
Deliver on promises
Finally, deliver on the promise. No one would appreciate, if more work is demanded at the same compensation or if less is provided as facilities.?
Listing or assuring compensation and facilities is something to start with. But to ensure retention of any workforce, it is important to ensure what projects promised are provided. Be it transportation facility from the labour camp to work, camping or food, ensure what is promised is made available to the?
While these are some measures, the basics have not gotten out of vogue. Well-tested and proven actions like offering competitive wages, creating avenues for grievances and feedback, recognising and rewarding performance and loyalty still are some of the best approaches.?