October is Construction Careers Month, a nationwide celebration and recognition of the career opportunities that exist throughout the construction industry. It’s the perfect time to emphasize to the next generation the significance of skilled trades and encourage them to consider a career in the industry. Organizations can use this month as a springboard for reaching young people, as well as those who may want to move up the ladder in the industry. And HR technology can play a crucial role in supporting construction firms in finding, hiring and retaining top talent.
As the construction industry faces challenges such as labor shortages and the demand for increased efficiency, HR technology can be an indispensable tool for companies looking to drive success.
Why Careers in Construction Should be Promoted
The construction industry needs more workers. The construction industry has struggled with a shortage of skilled labor since the pandemic, when Baby Boomer workers retired in droves leaving a hole that the number of younger workers currently in the field couldn’t fill. In 2025, the industry will need to bring in nearly 454,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet industry demand, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors. With so many long-term career opportunities, the appeal is even greater for young people interested in learning a skill set.
But the industry also needs to increase efficiency. Construction companies must not only hire more workers but must also be able to effectively manage their current workforce, while streamlining operations. Rising costs, tight deadlines and safety risks are all continual challenges for the industry. Since 2020, more than 80% of construction materials have gone up in price, averaging increases of 19%. And while reports show jumps in price may be stabilizing, elevated costs are likely here to stay.
HR tech can help hire more workers while also increasing efficiency.
HR Tech Can Fill Current and Future Roles
Filling these critical roles is more challenging than ever. An HR software platform, that includes options like an Applicant Tracking System, can help meet these challenges by optimizing the recruitment process.
With automated job posting, screening and messaging, hiring managers can efficiently sift through applications and find candidates who not only have the necessary skills but are also a good fit for the company culture. Additionally, advanced analytics tools can help forecast workforce needs, allowing construction firms to proactively plan for future hiring, especially during peak project seasons.
Advanced analytics can also show where holes may exist in your current workforce, which can be filled by upskilling employees. Nearly every construction job requires ongoing learning, certification and development to stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and safety standards. But training current employees via Learning Management Systems (LMS) for open positions can save companies from continually recruiting new workers, instead promoting and ultimately engaging employees, reducing turnover.
HR Tech Provides Efficiency and Productivity
Celebrating and promoting careers in construction is easier when you’re on top of your game. Companies can’t concentrate on growing if they’re spending most of their time manually managing their workforces.
Using HR software like Arcoro’s ExakTime to track and record hours can improve time tracking and processes by leaps and bounds. This essential process becomes nearly hands-off when workers are given an app to log in, whether on their own mobile devices or one “kiosk” device, and the data is automatically saved and transferred to payroll.
Advanced analytics can also highlight areas where processes can be optimized by tracking productivity within ExakTime, helping you to improve efficiency and productivity. Supervisors can immediately see which sites are outperforming others, who is showing up on time and who is leaving early.
Ultimately analytic data enables construction companies to make more informed decisions and provides a solid foundation for strategic planning by offering an intuitive clear picture of your current situation and potential future scenarios – like building a team that will propel and support your future growth.
Celebrate Construction Careers Month
As we celebrate Construction Careers Month, it’s essential to recognize the impact that innovative HR software has on the industry. From recruiting skilled workers, upskilling others and using analytics to drive business decisions, HR technology is transforming the way construction companies operate and thrive in a competitive environment.
Arcoro is proud to help equip construction firms with the tools to manage their most valuable asset — their workforce. This Construction Careers Month let’s not only honor the skilled professionals who build our world but also celebrate the technology that helps support and grow this essential workforce. With the right HR tools, we can continue building not just structures but rewarding careers in the construction industry for generations to come.
Learn more by contacting us today.
