In the UK, the construction industry has developed an unfortunate reputation over the years for being unproductive, unsafe, and poorly managed, among other problems. As a result of this negative image, construction companies are facing increasing difficulties in finding the skilled labour they sorely need.
This, in turn, is sure to have a knock-on effect on their productivity and could make the next few years particularly challenging for construction businesses across the UK.
If you are in charge of your own construction business, and you are eager to carve out a solid reputation for your company in the midst of these difficult times, you may be wondering how you can improve your business’s productivity levels despite the obstacles.
After all, earning a good reputation is of vital importance for businesses across all industries these days, but perhaps even more so in the world of construction, which has so many challenges and negative stereotypes to overcome.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to boost your company’s productivity and enhance its reputation. Read on to find out more.
Communication Is Key
This may seem obvious, but the importance of clear communication on a construction site can’t be stressed enough.
After all, the construction industry is full of potential dangers – many of which can be fatal – so it’s vital that everyone involved in a project is on the same page and has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and how to go about it.
It’s vital that you do your best to ensure transparency and keep the channels of communication open, not just at the start of a project, but throughout.
Ensure You Have Enough Supplies
Poor inventory management can cause debilitating issues during a project, and can seriously impact your productivity.
While some supply chain issues simply cannot be avoided, it’s vital that you do what you can to keep your supplies and materials well-stocked, so your employees don’t end up having to twiddle their thumbs waiting for the next delivery.
To help you keep on top of your inventory, particularly during a large project, it’s a good idea to use construction software to monitor your supplies and ensure you have enough of all of the necessary materials.
Supplement Your Team With Local Builders
Sometimes it becomes necessary to outsource some of your jobs in order to boost productivity and ensure that your project is completed in good time, particularly if you don’t have as many staff on hand as you would like. If you are looking for skilled labourers to assist with a project, you can find builders near you with the help of MyBuilder.
All you need to do is post a description of the roles you need to fill, and local professionals will get in touch.
Outsourcing some jobs to local professionals can also benefit your business as it means you can offer your full-time employees more flexible hours.
This will reduce pressure and stress, and may also reduce the risk of any accidents, as your staff will be well-rested and in better physical and mental condition.
Embrace The Benefits Of Modular Construction
A particularly valuable tool for increasing your construction company’s productivity is modular construction, using prefabricated components brought in from off-site. There are a number of benefits to using modular (or prefabricated) construction. Increased productivity is one of the most significant; this form of construction is much faster – by up to 40% – and results in faster delivery times.
In the case of a housing construction project, this means the new homeowners can move in faster than if modular construction was not used.
Some of the other advantages that modular construction provides for both contractors and clients include the reduction of waste, no need to pay storage costs for supplies, and guaranteed quality.
Ensure All Staff Are Properly Trained
One of the biggest causes of poor productivity is employees receiving inadequate training. Not only does this lead to avoidable mistakes, but it can even prove dangerous, particularly on a building site where heavy machinery and dangerous equipment is regularly in use.
Make sure that all of your employees are fully trained and qualified to handle the roles they will be assigned on each project.
While you may have to invest money in training initially, you will reap the rewards in the long run with a safe, knowledgeable, and more efficient workforce.
Summing Up
Enhancing productivity is a goal that all businesses want to achieve, but perhaps even more so in the world of construction, where companies may be keen to quash damaging stereotypes.
However, it’s important to remember that the methods you use to boost your productivity should always take into account the safety and satisfaction of your employees. After all, ensuring a healthy and happy workforce is one of the best ways to guarantee increased productivity and a brighter future for your business.
