5 Workforce Morale Boosters for Home Builders
The lingering skilled labor shortage has made it difficult for builders to find reliable workers. This makes it more important to keep the ones they already have. Since happy crews tend to be more effective, builders need to look for ways to improve morale on their job sites. Here are some things you can do to reduce turnover and make your crew happier and more productive.
Equip them for the job
You can avoid frustration and wasted time by providing your team with the right tools for the job. If you want to improve morale and ensure good work, avoid skimping on tools, equipment or materials. A larger investment in good tools can save you time, money and frustration in the long run. You should also look into construction technology and software programs to streamline productivity and communication. In essence, you need to look for ways to eliminate frustration, so your crew won’t dread coming to work each day.
Accentuate the positive
Employee challenges present an ideal opportunity for workers to learn from mistakes. That said, in addition to pointing out blunders, construction managers should also recognize positive accomplishments to help motivate the entire crew.
When they are celebrated, accomplishments become models of good performance. By shedding light on positive outcomes, builders are able to show workers that their efforts don’t go unnoticed. This builds positive sentiment, while letting other crew members know their good work — and poor effort — will not go ignored.
Welcome input
While it’s not practical for every worker to be involved in company decisions, builders should look for opportunities to seek input from their teams. Since they are the ones with their boots on the ground, workers often have valuable observations that can help you make better decisions. At the same time, when they seek input from their crews, builders make workers feel more valued, even if they don’t follow through on suggestions.
Listen attentively and respond
When workers voice complaints or concerns, builders need to pay close attention. When workers feel they aren’t being heard, discontent can spread like wildfire throughout a job site. If workers approach you with a problem, concern or request, let them know you are listening and look for ways to respond as quickly as possible.
If you simply can’t address an issue right away, explain this and try to find other creative ways to minimize the negative impact of a complication. Sometimes attentive listening and upfront honesty are enough to satisfy a frustrated worker.
Offer incentives
Setting up a bonus or incentive program is a great way to improve employee morale. Whether you’re rewarding perfect attendance or proactive behavior about safety, small bonuses or extra privileges can help your most dedicated workers stand out and motivate your less-dedicated workers to follow their examples.
It doesn’t have to be a huge burden on your budget; think a gift certificate for dinner or occasional afternoon off. Whatever the case, incentives let employees know their efforts matter, while also making them understand that you are monitoring their daily work habits.
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