By David Stanley, Resource Manager
Say hello to the new generation of construction workers! With baby boomers slowly exiting the labor force, the construction industry is welcoming a new workforce; the Millennials. They are the next in line to staff an industry that is thirsty for great construction skills. With that said, you need to do your best to ensure that the Millennials you bring in are going to stay with you for the long run. Knowing that managing Millennials in construction is not an easy task, we offer some tips below on how to carry out such a task.
Communicate in their Language
Millennials are known for their superior communication skills. They are the generation that uses their phones on a daily basis both to collect information and to reach out to others. They want to do the same with their construction career. It is important that you always remember that when it comes to managing Millennials in construction. Use the means of communication they prefer to keep them up-to-date. For example, chances are that a Millennial won’t answer a phone call but they will immediately respond to a text. Use emails to provide updates and share information in order to receive an answer faster.
Don’t be Harsh
Another important tip to keep in mind when you are managing Millennials in construction is that yelling at them is going to backfire. Millennials are used to being able to express their opinion even without being asked and they are looking for mentors who are going to show them the right direction. Collaboration is their preference, so if your method of management means yelling and passing out orders the hard way, then think twice. If you want to attract new construction skills and lay the foundation for a stable workforce for your company, then you need to adopt a smoother approach.
Share the Details
Be upfront with them. Millennials simply hate to be given information at the last minute. They want to know all of the details in advance in order to make the best decisions for their construction career. Does the job you offer them require lots of travelling? Is the commute to work going to be exactly what you told them it is going to be? Managing Millennials in construction means that you have to make sure that you are on the same page with them and all the cards are on the table. If this generation feels like they are missing information, you run the risk of losing them and with them you are going to lose great construction skills.
Make them Feel Comfortable
As said before, Millennials are the generation that deals with technology more than any other generation. Millennials are technology savvy because technology is part of their everyday life. The environment they work in is not an exception. With that said, your company needs to embrace the technological advancement that makes Millennials stick around. For example, do you allow your workforce to text you or to upload their time cards to your website, or do they have to come in to the office and do it? These are details that Millennials look for when they choose a company to work for.
Teach them and Help them Grow
Another important factor to remember when you are managing Millennials in construction is that this generation of workers looks beyond just receiving their paycheck every month. They care very much about learning fresh and interesting things that improve their construction skills as well as being offered the chance to grow their construction career. If they feel like they are remaining stagnant and they are stuck in a routine that holds them back, they are going to jump ship. In other words, the moment they get bored they begin looking for another opportunity. Talk to them about the success they will have with your company and provide them the space to grow with your company.
Key Takeaways to From Baby Boomers to Millennials in Construction:
1. Use the ways and methods of communication that Millennials prefer
2. Be smooth in the way you communicate directions with Millennials
3. Be upfront and share all of the details
4. Make sure that your company embraces technology in order to make Millennials feel comfortable
5. Show them how they are able to develop their construction skills and grow their construction career
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
