The Solution to Australia’s Building and Construction Recruitment Challenges
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Building and construction recruitment is a serious challenge for many Australian firms. With the construction industry facing a historic skills shortage and the challenges of an ageing workforce, it’s essential to explore new methods to attract and retain the younger talent your firm needs to succeed.
One strategy is to adopt ‘connected construction’ - the use of digital tools and technology to connect different areas within your business. Connected construction offers a range of recruitment and retention-related benefits, chiefly the ability to attract younger workers, increase connection between teams, offer learning and development opportunities, and even redefine company culture. We explore these in more detail below.
The construction industry’s image problem
Despite being Australia’s third-largest employer, the construction industry faces an image problem.
Younger workers often presume the industry is outdated, and are reluctant to pursue construction careers on the assumption that firms aren’t innovative or forward-thinking. With technology integrated into almost every aspect of their personal lives, they seek companies that embrace innovation and technology - areas that the construction industry has historically lagged behind in.
Younger workers also know that technology exists to automate manual or tedious work. Construction firms that consistently seek out comparable, efficient technology can demonstrate a commitment to increased efficiency and show they are invested in the future, both of which are attractive to younger workers.
Digital tools attract younger workers
As mentioned, the adoption of connected construction can challenge perceptions of the industry and attract a younger generation of workers. However, this doesn't require firms to be on the cutting edge of every new technological development.
For many construction firms, adopting connected construction could be as simple as implementing cloud-based construction management software to replace manual reporting. With the right software, manual data entry can be eliminated, freeing up younger workers to focus on other tasks and helping them feel they are applying their time wisely.
For larger construction firms, technology such as building information modelling (BIM) or three-dimensional modelling can increase the efficiency of construction projects and reduce reliance on manual labour. This can raise your firm’s appeal, as younger workers seek variety in their roles and the opportunity to work with emerging, cutting-edge technology.
Connection across the business
By definition, connected construction is capable of building connections among different stakeholders and teams within your firm.
Connected construction technology allows for the sharing of information, collaboration, and communication in real-time, helping to build a sense of community and foster teamwork. Both of these workplace characteristics appeal to younger workers, who often prioritise community and teamwork over income and other benefits.
Learning and development opportunities
Connected construction can also create learning and development opportunities for younger workers by providing access to real-time data and information. For example, the use of BIM allows project stakeholders to access and edit a single digital model of a project, which can improve coordination, reduce errors and increase transparency.
This can also help younger workers learn about the different aspects of a project, such as design, engineering or construction. These learning opportunities are of great appeal, as younger workers typically seek more opportunities to learn, develop and grow in their careers.
Redefine your company culture
Adopting connected construction can also help to redefine company culture. By implementing digital tools and technology, it’s possible to increase transparency, foster a culture of innovation, and promote sustainable work practices. According to The Deloitte Global 2021 Millenial and Gen Z Survey, these areas are all key concerns for younger workers and should be a focus for employers into the future.
Getting started with connected construction
Building and construction recruitment is a serious challenge, but embracing connected construction can help firms create a working environment that is more attractive to younger professionals.
Connected construction offers a range of benefits, including increased connection among teams, learning and development opportunities, and even the ability to redefine company culture. By adopting connected technologies, your firm can attract and retain the younger talent you need to succeed into the future.
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