Skilled Labor Shortage: Major Construction Issue

Being a general contractor allows you to run your own jobs, but it’s a lot of work. One of the biggest issues facing the construction industry at the moment is a lack of qualified labor.

The growth is there, with hundreds of thousands new jobs added since 2016. The problem is that older workers are retiring at high rates and there are not enough young workers to replace them. A lack of public education about construction and trades is a major cause of the labor shortage. In 2017, a survey showed that only 3% of people between the ages of 18 and 25 wanted to work in construction.

This is causing a massive labor shortage, which in turn leads to various issues:

• Projects can take longer.
• Quality control and productivity may suffer.
• Labor shortages strain the existing workforce.
• New hires in construction are at greater risk to get hurt than experienced construction workers. In fact, more than half of all workers compensation claims in the construction industry occur within the first year of employment.

As a result, projects end up costing more money. There is an increase in construction defects and losses. Plus, workplace safety is impacted.

 The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the construction industry. Many contractors lost out on major projects due to businesses being shut down and people losing their jobs. This caused many construction workers to reevaluate their priorities and leave their jobs. Some chose to leave the workforce entirely.

Another thing to consider is that working conditions are not the best. In fact, construction is one of the most dangerous industries. Construction worksites put  workers at an increased risk of injury. The requirements of the job can also be physically demanding.

What Contractors Can Do

Here’s what you can do to attract new workers:

• Reach out to potential workers. Explore new ways to introduce students to the possibilities of a career in construction. Offer summer jobs and internships to get young workers interested in the field.
• Offer competitive pay and benefits. Newer workers are seeking a work-life balance. They want a competitive income and benefits along with time with family and friends. You will need to offer these things to attract new workers. Focus on family leave, paid vacation, medical insurance, and flexible work schedules.
• Invest in training and career development. Training and career advancement opportunities can help build skills and increase job satisfaction. These efforts can help improve performance, safety, productivity, and quality.
• Improve on-the-job safety. Keeping your workforce safe can help mitigate accidents and prevent labor gaps. A strong safety culture can also demonstrate your commitment to worker protection.

Contact Us Today

There is a lot of construction going on, but not enough workers to complete the necessary projects. This is causing a lot of issues in the construction industry.

A labor shortage can lead to delays and even unfinished projects. This can lead to frustrated clients and even lawsuits. Get the help you need from the Florida delay claim lawyers from Linkhorst Law Firm. We have options to help you handle any disputes you may be facing. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling 561-626-8880.

Source:

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