How to retain your staff. 4 ways to stop your best workers from walking.

It’s no secret that the construction industry is hot at the moment. A resounding bounce back from the 2020 recession saw an ‘unprecedented’ boom in 2021/2022 despite pandemic induced lumbar, steel and material shortages.

Supply versus demand leans favourably towards a candidate’s market, with doors of opportunity opening everywhere for careers in construction.

More industry growth means more candidate confidence in their future, their options and their choices. With a recent SEEK survey reporting over 31% of the construction workforce looking to switch jobs, it’s a great time to reflect on why and think of ways to help your best staff to stay.

Career and personal development

Recent SEEK surveys confirm that over 44% of the people make a career move for development and progression. Let’s face it,we spend a large part of our daily life in the workplace, so job satisfaction is key to life satisfaction.

Promotion is certainly the first consideration, but does not have to be the only way to progress your motivated team members.

Think of what makes your company unique and use it to your advantage. Introducing additional responsibilities or involving your workers in key business decisions increases engagement and fulfilment. Asking your employees for their input sparks fresh ideas, new information and creates the feeling of value.

“Let’s face it,we spend a large part of our daily life in the workplace, so job satisfaction is key to life satisfaction.”

Financial gains.

This year sees the predictions of inflation and interest rate rises.Combine this with a pandemic produced by a stall in wage increases, and you’ll find yourself with workers looking to snag more dollars.In fact, 42% of our workforce feel that an increase in financial security and earnings are good reasons to look around.

Your business may not be in a position to splash more cash right now, and that’s where you need to get creative.

Incentives such as paid leave such as ‘birthday’ leave - who doesn’t want a day off on their birthday? - Volunteer leave or even just an extra day leave are exciting, personalised and purposeful ways to sweeten your organisation's appeal.

"Your business may not be in a position to splash more cash right now, and that’s where you need to get creative.”

Leadership and company culture.

Company culture is not just a catchphrase. 39% of our workforce are walking away from poor leadership and stifling work environments, regardless of how good the money or benefits may claim to be.

Staff are looking for leaders who are transparent with their objectives and communicative with their intentions. Involving workers in key information and decisions builds encouragement and confidence.

Keeping a great connection and offering support to your team while allowing them flexibility to work autonomously is motivating. Nurturing happy and progressive conditions for your staff is a genuine way to maintain loyalty and job satisfaction.

Work life balance and burnout.

Rapid growth, client expectations, material shortages and out-of-date processes can all lead to burnout in the workplace. 36% of employees who experienced burnout are looking to switch companies to resolve the issue. A company that expects, acts fast and has a plan in place to keep work and life balanced is attractive in today's market.

This is the time to show an open door policy, flexible work arrangements and provide key support for family and personal concerns.

Showing compromise on an individual's values, consideration of how home life affects work life and encouraging quality time outside of the office will see you as a choice employer for a motivated and energized workforce.

This is the time to show an open door policy, flexible work arrangements and provide key support for family and personal concerns.”

With the construction industry continuing to surge forward with growth, supply, demand and innovation, the employee can take advantage of the choices open to them. As a proactive employer, retaining valuable staff is time saving, cost effective and a seamless way to nurture productive, positive and lucrative companies.

With 16 years' experience in recruitment, Mckinnel Associates have seen the ebbs and tides in the construction industry. We love to see mutual success stories and are all about building strong businesses. If you need support, get in touch today.

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