Construction management will continue to be fraught with challenges in 2022. The impact of COVID-19 was a huge challenge in 2021 and one that’s not likely to go away quickly in 2022. Looking ahead, things like hiring, retention and maintaining efficiencies will certainly be on everyone’s mind.

 

Hiring More Workers

It’s no surprise that hiring workers will be a top challenge for the construction industry in 2022. The labor shortage has affected the construction industry throughout 2021. According to the Home Builders Institute, the shortage has reached crisis level at an average of 300,000 to 400,000 open construction sector jobs a month. Construction companies want to grow, but don’t have the workers to do so. 

One way to help hire workers faster is by using HR technology for construction management. Manual processes, like recruiting, can be less productive. According to the 2021 Construction Business Report, 32% of construction companies say manual processes are where their businesses experience the most inefficiencies.  

  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS) along with Onboarding software allows companies to reach the right candidates and get them on the job quickly. An ATS can target a specific group of candidates, like workers with masonry or plumbing skills, across multiple job boards and track referrals – automatically.
  • reduce your time to hire.
  • Harvard’s 2021 report, workforce participation by women is considered an untapped economic driver across all industries but current data shows they make up only 10.9% of the total construction population.

Effectively Managing Workers

Another big challenge for the construction industry is supply chain issues. According to a 2021 report by Foundation Software, 42% of construction companies reported they saw moderate job delays due to supply chain costs and delays. While controlling supply chain costs and delays may be out of the hands of companies, they can control other costly construction management processes, like managing their workers.

  • According to BigRentz, their use in construction has increased 239% year-over-year.
  • time tracking solution is a lifesaver.
  • Ensuring Safety. Using wearable tech, like wireless sensors and trackers, can monitor the vital signs of employees, including if they have an accident. Some companies are looking at industrial-use exoskeletons to improve productivity and reduce strain-related industry. But it’s not just about safety – when workers are well taken care of, companies don’t have to worry about things that can affect their bottom line like a lack of workers and potential lawsuits. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Maximizing Resources

Maximizing your resources will be one way construction companies will be able to grow in 2022. Add these tactics to your construction management processes.

  • Focus on Ready-Made Structures. Modular and prefabricated construction – where structures are built off-site – have increased in popularity. It’s a trend that’s a response to existing inefficiencies. By using an offsite space for these projects, construction teams can save time while improving the quality and consistency of the build. Labor costs are saved, and construction timelines are sped up by as much as 50%.
  • Increased Interest in Used Equipment. Renting and buying used equipment will continue to remain a popular alternative to buying new. Renting and/or buying used goods allows companies to better manage their expenses and will also allow representatives to determine which piece of equipment works best for their needs.
  • accelerate employee development. Another way companies can take their company to the next level with the workers they have is by providing workers with training and development opportunities. These can help reduce employee turnover, help recruit top talent and identify and develop talent and future leaders.

Construction management in 2022 can be effectively accomplished by focusing on improved hiring, efficiently managing employees and using cost-saving resources.