Tips to Find Employees for Your Construction Company

Why is There a Shortage of Construction Workers? 

Many things about the construction industry are tough, but finding and retaining employees may be one of the hardest. A survey by AGC in 2023 showed that 88% of construction firms are having a hard time finding workers to hire. During the pandemic, many of the older workers in the industry retired or found employment elsewhere. Without enough workers, project delays are becoming common.

If finding employees for your construction company is causing anxiety, below are some different hiring approaches.

Ask for Referrals 

It’s like the old saying goes: the best advertising is word of mouth. Asking around may seem like a simple strategy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be effective. Ask your crew if they have any family or friends that would be a good fit for your team, and consider offering a referral program. You can also ask local suppliers, lumber yards, and any community network connections you have.  

Lease from Other Companies to Staff Projects 

Some companies provide temporary workers for an hourly rate, sometimes referred to as “leasing” employees. While this could be a solution if you are shorthanded, be aware that  leasing employees may impose certain legal obligations upon your company, for example, requirements around workers’ compensation and other types of insurance.  Make sure you understand the applicable laws in your jurisdiction and consult with a qualified attorney if necessary.

Reach Out to Trade Schools and Colleges  

Local trade schools or vocational schools could be a valuable connection to find employees for your company. Ask the school what opportunities they have, such as posting jobs for their students internally, or guest speaking in a class. Look for opportunities to highlight some of the benefits of the industry, such as earning potential. Students might be looking for summer jobs, which aligns with the busiest season in construction. Consider creating an internship program or temporary summer positions.

Consider Training Candidates with No Experience 

Evaluate if broadening your search to candidates with no experience makes sense for your situation. Teaching them the trade could take time, but it also could be a way to build a solid team. However, rushing through training could expose your company to safety risks.

Using Social Media as a Construction Company 

The smart phone in your pocket could be the advertising tool that you need to reach more people and drive traffic to your website. There are many social media sites that exist, and creating content for all of them can be exhausting. Instead, choose a few platforms that you know you can be consistent on. Research which social media sites your ideal candidate may be on. Posting that you are hiring on social media can be a no cost or low cost way to spread the word, but you can also evaluate if paid ads make sense for your business. Social media can be a great way to give people a look into what a day in the job looks like at your construction company.

Evaluate the Pay and Benefits of Your Construction Company 

Paying your team competitively and offering benefits can be one strategy to retain your current team and attract new candidates. Offering health insurance and other benefits could convince new hires to think of construction as a viable career path and not just a temporary job.

Attend Local Job Fairs 

Check with your local colleges, chamber of commerce, and convention centers to see if they are hosting any job fairs or trade shows. In person events offer valuable face-to-face interaction, and a chance to convey some of the perks of your industry and company in person.

You will need at least a few weeks in advance to prepare for a trade show or job fair. Think about ways you can brand your space with your company logo to make your booth memorable. You will want to have materials on hand giving information about open positions. Include job duties as well as salary. Think about the next step you want a candidate who approaches your space to take. You can provide a QR code to scan and apply for a position, or consider doing in person interviews at the event.

Consider having items to draw people to your booth, such as strong visuals or branded merchandise. In person events also present a networking opportunity to connect with professionals in similar industries.  

Should Your Construction Company Host a Hiring Event? 

If you have a lot of positions you need to fill, consider hosting your own hiring event on site at your workplace. Advertise the event and be prepared to do on-site interviews. Offering a perk like free food or a giveaway can incentivize people to come to your event. When promoting your event, tell your guests if you would like them to bring their resume or references. Hosting a hiring event can be a great way to meet candidates face-to-face quickly, but it does require weeks of planning as well as multiple people.  

Recap 

A shortage of workers in the construction industry is causing project delays to become common. Some strategies that employers can implement to find talent are partnering with trade schools, training employees with no experience, hosting hiring events, and getting referrals from local suppliers. One strategy to retain employees already in the industry is offering benefits and competitive pay.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.