Solving the Construction Industry’s Worker Shortage Problem
By Brenden Melanson
If you run a construction company then you’re well aware of the labour shotage. Many contractors across the country are dealing with a major problem - not enough skilled workers. This shortage of workers is a tough challenge to overcome, but with the right system and efficient use of technology we may be better equipped to deal with the issue than we think.
Why We're Short on Workers
There are three main reasons for the worker shortage. The first is the retirement of many baby boomers who make up a big part of the construction workforce. As they retire, it's hard to find people to replace them.
The second reason is that more people are choosing to go to university or start their own business at a young age instead of learning a trade. The opportunity to get rich from Bitcoin or play video games for a living wasn’t an option not too long ago, and construction was a great place to earn a respectable income for a hard day’s work.
Lastly, stricter government policies have restricted the age of workers who can work on construction sites, which immediately puts our industry at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting young workers. Governments have looked to increase immigration to fill the labour gap, but many migrant workers just don’t have the skill set to work in construction.
The second reason is that more people are choosing to go to university or start their own business at a young age instead of learning a trade. The opportunity to get rich from Bitcoin or play video games for a living wasn’t an option not too long ago, and construction was a great place to earn a respectable income for a hard day’s work.
Lastly, stricter government policies have restricted the age of workers who can work on construction sites, which immediately puts our industry at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting young workers. Governments have looked to increase immigration to fill the labour gap, but many migrant workers just don’t have the skill set to work in construction.
Money is There, Workers Aren't
The situation is strange. A lot of funding is going into the construction industry through government initiatives and private investments. However, the lack of workers could stop the industry from growing. With fewer workers, projects take longer, costs go up, and productivity goes down.
Normally, more money in the industry should mean more workers, but this isn't happening. The shortage of workers is still a big problem for the construction industry.
Normally, more money in the industry should mean more workers, but this isn't happening. The shortage of workers is still a big problem for the construction industry.
Possible Solutions
Despite these problems there are some possible solutions. Industry leaders and policymakers are beginning to understand how serious this issue is.
Firstly, we need to change how we view trades. People need to understand that there are good opportunities in construction, which can help attract more young workers. Workers labeled as “blue collar” are proud that they put in a hard day’s work, and they should be. Learning a trade is an incredible life skill that transfers to more areas of life than most other professions.
Secondly, construction companies need to be seen as a fun and rewarding place to work. This doesn't mean that we don't work hard or take the job lightly, but it does mean building a culture where people are excited to come to work every day. The days of bullying on job sites are over, and as an industry we need to start valuing every worker at every level.
Lastly, as an industry we need to adopt the right technology for the right companies. The construction industry has been notoriously slow to adopting new technology, but in recent years we’ve seen an exponential increase in the number of companies running software, tools, and systems that make them more efficient.
Firstly, we need to change how we view trades. People need to understand that there are good opportunities in construction, which can help attract more young workers. Workers labeled as “blue collar” are proud that they put in a hard day’s work, and they should be. Learning a trade is an incredible life skill that transfers to more areas of life than most other professions.
Secondly, construction companies need to be seen as a fun and rewarding place to work. This doesn't mean that we don't work hard or take the job lightly, but it does mean building a culture where people are excited to come to work every day. The days of bullying on job sites are over, and as an industry we need to start valuing every worker at every level.
Lastly, as an industry we need to adopt the right technology for the right companies. The construction industry has been notoriously slow to adopting new technology, but in recent years we’ve seen an exponential increase in the number of companies running software, tools, and systems that make them more efficient.
What's Next?
The construction industry's worker shortage is a complex issue that needs multiple solutions. Despite the current issues, it's also an opportunity to rethink and adapt. With smart work and dedication, the industry can continue to thrive.
Remember, every time a worker picks up a tool, they're building our future. It's time to address the worker shortage and lay the foundation for a stronger future in construction.. It won't be easy, but hard work is nothing new in our industry.
Remember, every time a worker picks up a tool, they're building our future. It's time to address the worker shortage and lay the foundation for a stronger future in construction.. It won't be easy, but hard work is nothing new in our industry.
