How to find help
Finding and keeping construction workers.
The COVID-19 economy has created labor shortages in almost every industry. The shortage of construction and skilled workers is no exception. There was already a shortage and now the problem for construction and remodeling firms is much worse. According to Associated Builders and Contractors construction businesses will need to hire 430,000 workers this year.
Contractors are struggling to find workers and materials to keep up with the high demand of projects. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its Q2 report stating that over a third (35%) of contractors report turning down work due to skilled labor shortages. 88% of U.S. contractors are having difficulty finding skilled labor. More than 50% report putting in higher bids. Many construction companies have raised their hourly wages by 50%.
What can you do? There are many things to do to improve your situation.
Here’s a quick list of ideas and direction to help you find and maintain your staff and sub-contractors.
Let your community know you are looking for skilled labor
Improve your company brand and image
Give current staff raises and bonuses
Advertise your opportunities
Participate in Job Fairs
Train high schools through apprentice or mentoring programs
Recruit students from trade schools
Hire and retrain military members
Create an employee referral program
Offer sign-on bonuses
Increase wages and benefits
Announce your job openings with signs everywhere such as your job sites and your vehicles. Post on your company website and online to jobsites like ConstructionJobs.com or Indeed.com. Tell your TheHomeMag Marketing Consultant to post your openings on the THM SoCal Job Board.
For companies with many job openings, you can participate in local recruiting events and job fairs. In Southern California there is a large military community. Organizations such as Hiring Heroes helps employers hire and train military members and their spouses. On October 21 there is a job fair at Camp Pendleton Career Summit that is free to employers to participate.
In June to help with America’s labor shortage, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched a new nationwide initiative mobilizing industry and government to address America’s workforce challenges called America Works. It proposes to help train more Americans for in-demand jobs, remove barriers to work, and reform America’s immigration system.
The situation isn’t going to be solved for some time. It may improve once the stimulus and unemployment extras end. So, beware of poachers and be sure to keep your current workers happy.
JOB SITES for Builders and Remodelers to post opportunities and find candidates
Construction Jobs – https://constructionjobs.com/
iHire Construction – https://www.ihireconstruction.com/
California Home Improvement Jobs – indeed home renovation
GENERAL JOB SITES