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Learn your workers’ names
Managing a team of over 150 workers can feel like trying to memorize a sea of faces, but every person on that crew deserves to be seen and valued. In construction, just like in any field, people want to know that they matter. Taking the time to learn each worker’ s name and how they prefer to be addressed goes a long way in showing respect and building trust.
This industry often has a tough exterior, but that shouldn’ t get in the way of real connections. One of the most effective ways to break down those walls is through genuine, personal engagement— greeting workers by name, striking up conversations, and creating a space for open communication. When people feel recognized and heard, they become more open to feedback, more willing to voice concerns, and more invested in contributing their ideas.
Find your team’ s worklife balance
This industry can often be unforgiving. Jobs can take place at odd hours and continue for long stretches at a clip, with tight timelines that can trigger stress responses. Additionally, the work is often inconsistent. Going to the hiring hall to wait for your next assignment means you don’ t know what to expect from your next job, if there is going to be one at all, and it becomes hard to plan.
Contractors must help alleviate some of the stress that comes from the unknown. It is important to maintain as much consistency as possible in workers’ schedules so they can stay at one jobsite longer, allowing them to get to know their coworkers and to find a rhythm in the gig. Consider each worker’ s personal situation and, whenever possible, give them assignments that facilitate a healthy work-life balance.
Many workers sacrifice their time and energy to provide for their families. But when those long hours start pulling them away from the very people they’ re working to support, it can create strain at home and make the job feel less fulfilling.
Logistics should always be factored in when assigning and scheduling jobs. Giving employees work on sites that are closer to their home reduces their commute and allows them more opportunities to be with their families.
It’ s important to create a flexible paid time-off policy that helps workers avoid missing the big moments, whether it be a child’ s soccer game or a family beach vacation. Additionally, organizing company events that include families can help employees feel more connected to the organization.
Make resources available on their terms
Everyone processes information and asks for help in their own way, so it’ s always important to keep avenues open across multiple channels.
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