Many large and small companies in the construction industry depend on labor. As per a survey, the productivity rate of the construction industry has declined. Several factors may lead to inefficiency in work, which can hamper construction productivity, leading to cost overruns. So, it is advisable to take proactive measures to ensure the project finishes on time and is profitable, and cost-efficient.
If your construction company is suffering from low productivity and inefficiencies, here are a few tips that'll help you improve your work productivity.
Update Construction Inventory
Construction projects usually have a large inventory, and it needs to be updated regularly. If not maintained properly, it may lead to poor inventory management. Also, should inspect the inventory regularly to ensure there's an uninterrupted supply. It helps in proper planning and forecasting so that the supplies and materials are restocked before they run out.
Prioritize Workplace Flexibility
Flexible work arrangements can enhance construction productivity. As the construction is physically demanding, the laborers need to rest. When they are mentally and physically well-rested, they are better equipped to handle tools and machinery efficiently, which directly boosts output on-site. Implementing flexible shift schedules supports a healthier work-life balance, eases workplace stress, and attracts more candidates.
Use Technological Resources
The construction industry needs to adapt to technological advancements. Using project management software, companies can track their work more quickly than ever. Project management software can host construction documents, such as Plans, Change Orders, RFIs, and other reports in one location. This helps employees save hours and spend their time boosting the productivity rates by up to 25%.
Data-Driven Construction Planning
It becomes important to stay organized with the fast pace of construction projects. This is because disorganization can quickly derail a project and lower productivity. That's why having a solid plan is crucial. If you make your planning more data-driven, it will help the team to perform more efficiently and effectively. Using BIM (Building Information Modeling) can help with project planning. BIM allows subcontractors to generate a 3D model using project data, which improves accuracy in cost and time estimates. This helps with workflow visualization, reduces waste, and boosts overall productivity.
Improve Communication
Even though you have a complete plan in hand, it does not mean there won't be a problem. This is because of a lack of communication, as it can cause poor work performance and reduce productivity. Hence, it is advisable to maintain consistent and effective communication between field and desk work to prevent mistakes and respect deadlines. Project management systems can help improve communication between team members by providing real-time updates on changes in the work. Also, give employees a few work tips to boost their performance. Moreover, encourage them to learn about incentive-based programs to drive them to meet the productivity goals.
Prioritize Safety
When workers feel safe on the job site, they worry less and can concentrate more on their tasks. Considering safety as the first option protects the team and minimizes the risk of violations and project delays. So, reinforce safety awareness by providing easy access to checklists, safety observations, and toolbox talks that address key job site hazards and procedures.
Adopt Smart Supply Chain Management Practices
Although supply chain disruptions can be unpredictable, you can reduce their impact by implementing strong management strategies. Understand resource challenges, such as inventory errors, and explore solutions to manage them effectively. Monitor material usage carefully and reorder supplies early to prevent shortages during the active phase of a project. It helps proactively task scheduling and maintaining strong relationships with the supplier.
Establish Performance Measurement
It becomes important to teach workers about KPIs (key performance indicators), which help monitor performance, empower employees, and enhance productivity. Performance metrics increase operational efficiencies and boost staff morale by recognizing staff effort and contributions. Remember to set incentives, like bonuses, to keep the employees meeting their KPI standards.
Set Realistic Goals
Leading companies set high goals, but they often fail to achieve reasonable and attainable goals. So, the first step is to understand the circumstances and identify the issue. Assess the resources available at hand and create reasonable expectations, especially for the deadlines. You can also use field data in project management software, which helps you create a baseline. Also, avoid setting unrealistic goals, as it may put too much strain on the employees, which may lead to costly mistakes. Every project's ultimate objective is to guarantee client satisfaction by providing exceptional quality and customer service.
Offer Training to Employees
Make training available and accessible to all employees. Make the training process more comfortable for participants by using software to automate the construction process, automate scoring, replace paper reports with digital ones, and streamline the distribution of training materials. Additionally, onboarding checklists should be employed to help new hires get started in their new roles by introducing them to the organization, outlining their tasks, and showing them around the site.
Reduce Weather-Related Risks
Uncontrollable weather can be problematic, especially if you plan your projects months in advance. However, it can be prevented with proper planning and contract stipulations. You can take active measures by being aware of the commitments mentioned in the contract and adding provisions that offer relief during severe weather. The best way to stay aware of the weather is to obtain real-time weather information by using technologies. Consider rescheduling work, modifying assignments, or even temporarily halting operations when bad weather is predicted. This helps you save labor downtime and guarantee the safety of the workers.
Always Have A Plan B
In case of bad weather or something unexpected, it's better to have a plan B at hand. To do this, you have to research each aspect that may cause delays and analyze the risks that accompany those aspects. It's better to make a list of key project performance processes and plan how you can fix any challenges that may arise. Use construction software to ensure the workflow is integrated. It also helps you stay updated on the project's progress.
Hire Trained Supervisors
Always ensure to hire trained supervisors, as they can manage the project efficiently. They ensure that the workers are not facing any productivity issues - this keeps the project going smoothly. A trained manager ensures that the tasks are properly assigned and that all the workers adhere to the deadline, without compromising the quality of the work.
Opt for Shorter Contracts
Not everyone can read jargon-filled contracts. It can be difficult for your workers to understand, which makes it challenging for them to read the contract. So, it is advisable to keep the contract clear and concise with shorter lengths so that the workers are aware of what they are expected to do and perform accordingly. It also ensures that all team members are on the same page, which saves the team a lot of time.
Delegate Tasks
Though there may be many talented heads in the workforce, most responsibilities are loaded on the efficient employees. However, this is not considered a very good practice, as each individual has a set of skills and each should be assigned tasks according to their strength and skills. This ensures maximum utilization of the available workforce and improves productivity. Delegating tasks helps complete the task faster and ensures every worker is given a chance to prove themselves on-site.
Use Prefabricated Construction
Prefabricated and modular construction help save money and are becoming more popular in the construction industry. Prefabrication means assembling the structures somewhere other than a construction site. They are fast and are cost-effective in terms of time, wages, etc.
Factors Affecting Labor Efficiency
Here are the major factors that affect labor efficiency -
Positive Work Environment
Make the employees feel safe, valued, and supported. To ensure your employees are efficient, take a look at your construction workplace - if it is putting stress on the employees, if the work demands long working hours, or if it has unrealistic deadlines. If your workplace is having these issues, labor productivity will suffer, and attrition will increase. With a positive workplace environment, employees can thrive in a positive environment.
Payment Structure
One of the most motivating elements in any workspace is pay. The nature of work in the construction industry is very different from that of other industries, which leads to varying treatment of labor. These discrepancies can sometimes lead to declining construction productivity. If the company keeps the pay optimal, then they should also let the worker know the pay structure. This is because pay is one of the major reasons why employees may not be willing to work or lack the motivation to work.
Lack of Employee Diversity
A lack of diversity can have a negative impact on labor productivity in construction. If you have a diverse team of individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, it fosters inclusion and strengthens employee engagement. Also, diversity creates an environment where employees learn by collaborating with others who bring different perspectives.
Insufficient Tools and Technologies
To stay productive, employees need tools and updated technologies. Construction tasks are physically demanding - hence, using the right tools makes a significant difference in performance. If your worker is undertaking the work of demolition, they require access to proper tools. This is because, if you don't have the required tools for demolition, the process may take weeks. However, with power tools, the task can be completed in just a few days. Also, companies should invest in training their workers and employees on the updated tools and machinery. This will boost productivity and ensure proper resource management by encouraging them to learn more about the technologies advancements.
Conclusion
Construction supervisors, managers, and builders focus on efficiency and adhere to given tips to ensure a boost in productivity. Considering the constant change in the industry, it is important to stay ahead of the changes and train the workers about them. Also, using data analytics and technology can identify issues so that you can fix them at the earliest and maximize the output.
