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In a 2022 study titled Improving Company Culture, ELECTRI International suggests that the biggest factor in a construction company's future success may be their organizational culture. The study identified areas for improvement surrounding employee appreciation, retention, loyalty, and engagement.
We founded ConnexWork to build a platform for companies to connect, recognize, reward, and inform everyone in their organization to create a workforce that is happier, safer, and on the same page.
With the ever-growing labor shortage, the advent of Gen-Z joining the trades, and 41% of construction workers retiring by 2031, construction companies must act fast to adapt their methods. As stated by ELECTRI,
"Construction businesses are discovering that they must appeal to today's changed workforce in order to compete for, win, and retain employees."
This article focuses on how ConnexWork enables company leaders to actively put Electri’s findings to work in their companies.
Highlights of every mention of connection (blue), recognition (green), rewards (purple), and communication (pink).
Connect
One of the biggest challenges construction companies face is having a real connection with their field workers. With a large portion of the workforce spread out across various job sites, it can be difficult to foster a sense of belonging to the organization. This creates a disconnect between leadership and employee, office and field, or peer to disconnected peer. When there's no sense of connection, it’s easy for communication to break down, and it becomes difficult for the company to work together effectively.
Summarized by ELECTRI,
“Overwhelmingly, people just want to be treated like a person. [...] They want one-on-one conversations about nonwork activities and to feel the employer truly cares about them beyond being ‘just another number.’”
At ConnexWork, we've created a platform that allows everyone to stay connected regardless of where they are working, their role, or how long they’ve been at the company. ConnexWork breaks down the human silos, enabling a more connected workforce. When workers feel like they're part of something bigger, they're more likely to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and ideas, and work together toward common goals.
Recognize and Reward
Employees who feel appreciated for their contributions are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal to their employer. Electri’s research finds that showing appreciation does not need to be complicated, but it should be frequent and individualized. The study notes that
"Showing any form of appreciation and gratitude instills a sense of trust and support in an employee. They just want to know that you believe in them to do a good job."
However, recognizing individual efforts can sometimes fall by the wayside. We addressed this challenge with a recognition and rewards system that allows employees, managers, and leadership to easily appreciate each other's hard work and achievements.
Employees are rewarded for engagement and recognition on the platform and trade these in for company swag directly inside the app. Our reward system not only encourages active participation but also helps employees feel a sense of ownership and pride in their company.
Inform
While connecting, recognizing, and rewarding employees is important, effective communication is truly the backbone of any successful organization. Construction’s dispersed, fluctuating workforce, without universal access to technology makes communication difficult.
When asked “How does your company communicate” Electri participants responded with
“Sometimes word of mouth, sometimes email...sometimes we don't really find out.”
“Top-down emails that are random, unorganized, and contradictory.”
“They do not. We are terrible at internal communication, and there is no excuse.”
At ConnexWork, we’ve developed a platform that enables your company leadership to communicate with the workforce in a way that doesn’t feel like work. When company leadership needs to share an update, announcement, or other critical information with all employees, their audience is already engaged on the ConnexWork platform.
Conclusion
The Electri International study on company culture in the construction industry provides valuable insights into the importance of fostering a positive work environment. By focusing on connection, recognition, rewards, and information, construction companies can create a culture that attracts and retains top talent, drives business success, and is prepared for future challenges.
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