Tips For Hiring During A Construction Labor Shortage
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, employers around the world have struggled to deal with the recent labor shortage. In the United States, there are more jobs than workers at the moment. Unfortunately, construction companies have been hit particularly hard as employees attempt to find work-from-home positions. Nevertheless, there are ways to lure workers back into the labor force. Construction companies can use several techniques to attract workers during this difficult time. Tips will be provided below for achieving this goal.
The Stats
First, readers should learn more about the current situation. How severe has the construction labor shortage become? A recent survey conducted by Associated General Contractors of America found that 93% of companies in the construction industry had job openings they were trying to fill. 91% of companies were having difficulties trying to fill some of those positions. These companies reported that it was increasingly difficult to hire members of the craft workforce that is responsible for more on-site construction duties. 77% of employers claimed that applicants lacked the skills to hold the job or they were unable to take a drug test. Surprisingly, the sector has an unemployment rate of 3.5% so the construction labor market is extremely tight. Expanding The Options Since it has become difficult to hire conventional construction workers, employers should expand their options. Typically, most construction jobs are held by men. That is quickly changing now that the labor shortage is in full effect. Many construction companies are starting to hire women. Doing so opens doors to a wealth of new possibilities. Hiring women is a good way to fill the gap while the labor shortage continues. Be Transparent With Benefits The company should also be transparent about its benefits. Since the labor market is so tight, employers have to prove that they have the best opportunities for workers. When applying for jobs, workers are going to be interested in their wages and the benefits they receive. Therefore, employers should be more transparent about the benefits they provide to their workers. When the company places employment ads online, it should display these benefits to lure new workers. Optimizing Pre-Hiring Process Many companies have a complex pre-hiring process that bogs everything down. If the applicant feels like they’re getting nowhere, they may decide to apply for positions elsewhere. Suffice to say, it is pertinent to simplify and speed up the pre-hiring process. Some companies have multiple interviews before hiring someone. The company can cut down on this by having one interview instead. Regardless, they should take steps to simplify this process to ensure that applicants do not give up before getting their foot in the door. Recruitment Technologies Help Finally, modern construction companies have to be savvy with technology. It can make a big difference when it comes to hiring the best employees. Using recruitment software will prove to be very beneficial. The technology will greatly enhance hiring efficiency. It can help find new workers, evaluate their resumes, and schedule interviews. Construction companies should use this technology to make sure they pull the trigger on new workers first.