Construction industry executives are rethinking their employee recruitment and retention programs to meet the demand for construction management and trade employees, according to www.constructiondive.com.
The second quarter USG + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index reported 90 percent of contractors are concerned about the shortage of skilled laborers' and 47 percent expect their limited ability to staff projects will continue to get worse.
"In terms of retention, the younger generations are impatient. They want to be the presidents of the organization in two years … but our industry doesn't move that quickly," says Richard Henry, northern pacific president of McCarthy Building, a construction company in San Francisco.
Retention of younger workers is a challenge for the construction industry. It's important for recruiting efforts to begin at the high school level and let those interested in the construction industry know it can be a strong career path with benefits and good wages. Providing internship and leadership programs can give young workers a look into a career in the construction industry.
With money playing a big role, construction companies are starting to offer more financial rewards to get new talent and keep the existing talent. Some contractors are reportedly offering bonuses up to $3,000.
The average construction hourly wage has increased to almost $30 per hour, which is starting to grab the attention of potential workers.
