In today’s competitive construction industry, attracting the next generation of skilled workers requires creating an environment that resonates with their values, supports their growth, and meets their evolving needs. From comprehensive benefits and a culture of mentorship to wellness initiatives and strategic social media engagement, there are numerous ways to position your company as an employer of choice.
Here are four ways to attract the next generation of skilled workers:
1. Comprehensive Benefits
Do you offer customizable benefits such as accident, hospital, or permanent life coverage? Providing your workforce with the opportunity to hand-select the benefits that best fit their unique goals and healthcare concerns allows you to better meet the needs of all your employees. If your construction company is a union contractor these benefits can be especially attractive and depending on your contract, easily implemented. In addition, do you contribute to your employees’ 401k plan or offer financial wellness consulting? These are all benefit offerings the next generation is looking for and checking your competitors for.
2. Culture of Mentorship
The idea of mentorship to build skills with the opportunity to one day move up in the company is very enticing to this generation. It also aligns with a culture of safety by potentially reducing workers’ comp claims caused by errors of inexperience. It’s a win-win.
3. Wellness Programs
Wellness programs can encourage healthy behaviors among your workforce such as smoking cessation and addressing obesity and diabetes. Beyond safety and physical health, wellness programs can also support employees’ mental health. The construction industry faces one of the highest suicide rates out of any industry. Having mental health support services can help an employee through a challenging time, possibly save a life and is an attractive benefit.
4. Social Media
You don’t necessarily need a TikTok (although if you’re game, go for it!) but a LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter is vital. You can use these outlets to share the same company news and information published on your website. This is where the next generation is doing their research so meet them where they are.
Supporting the next generation of skilled trade workers through internships, apprenticeships and mentorship programs enhances their skills and help set them up for success in the field. Lastly, if you are in the position to donate equipment to secondary and post-secondary institutions, it can help prepare and educate the next generation of skilled workers as they enter their careers.
For more information on one of the tactics above or to speak with an advisor on how your construction company can attract talent, reach out to a member of our construction practice.
