By Anthony Delionado, Account Manager CT/NY
Millennials are a generation unlike the ones before them. They are individuals who were born between 1980 and the 2000s and are technology savvy, ambitious, have high expectations and are looking to make an impact. Are you ready to work with millennials? How do you make sure you get the best and retain them? In an era where everything is transitioning to online, the construction industry is shifting towards engaging this new workforce. Take a look at some traits you need to have in mind when working with millennials in construction.
Clear Focus
You have an open position and you need the right talent. You turn to your construction staffing firm and let them do what they know best. A qualified construction recruiter knows that working with millennials in construction is more than just finding the needed skills. According to a recent study, millennials are willing to stay with a company that has a clear understanding of goals and direction. They are looking for a company that creates more construction career opportunities and has room for growth. With that said, it is important for employers to be able to communicate to their millennials what is at stake and what is expected from them.
Rapid Pulse
Millennials grew up having information at their fingertips with speed and accuracy. They are used to locating material immediately and without hiccups. They have the same expectation when it comes to their construction careers. From the hiring process, to everyday workplace communication, to exchanging ideas and getting feedback, millennials need rapidness. Always keep that in mind when working with millennials in construction, and be sure to simplify and expedite processes and procedures for your newcomers.
Real Value
When working with millennials in construction do not spend a great deal of time going deep into the details of the position. Instead, make it appealing by demonstrating the potential the position has for their construction career and talk about the opportunities for further success. Millennials are curious to know how the position you offer is going to help them fulfill their career plan and how it is going to take them to the next level. If you work with a construction recruiter, make sure that they communicate your company’s growth potential to the candidates they send your way.
Different Level
Based on the way they grew up, millennials tend to have great belief in their construction career abilities. This means that they are more confident and accept constructive critiques if given to them the way they expect it. With that said, you need to be more delicate and adopt a different approach of management when working with millennials in construction. Losing your temper and screaming on the jobsite for instance, is not the way to go with this generation. Instead, lean towards a more individual technique to communicate your feedback in order to build their confidence.
Use of Technology
Since millennials are the generation that is really familiar and comfortable with technology, they expect and want technology to be part of their work environment. The construction industry is shifting towards adopting more technology and towards employing more and more millennials. That being said, you need to embrace the use of technology. For example, the individual in charge of your millennial team must be technology savvy. Send them links to safety guidelines instead of passing around paper brochures, and ask your construction recruiter to provide information to millennial candidates about your company in digital format.
Key Takeaways to Working with Millennials in Construction:
1. Clearly communicate the goals and direction of your company to engage millennials
2. Simplify and streamline company processes and procedures
3. Talk to the career growth potential that the offered position provides
4. Adopt a more individual and delicate level of management for millennials
5. Embrace the use of technology when you work with millennials
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
