Is your construction team time-change ready?
Good morning from The Level! If you're a returning subscriber, we're thrilled to see you again, and if you're reading us for the first time, welcome! You're now part of a community of 20,000 construction industry leaders who get their weekly rundown from us. We're glad you're all here; now let's jump into the news.
Retaining workers boosts productivity and bottom lines, but it's a competitive market for construction workers at the moment. Today we'll look at how you can recruit, and keep, top workers. Plus: Check out the plans for the world's next largest building.
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Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:
// Here's how to retain your best workers
// Mitigating the safety risk of night work
// Find the workers' comp rules for your state
// Candidates' positions on workplace issues
>> Who we're following: Modern Builds on YouTube. With 1.8 million followers, this channel offers DIY tips from patio pavers to tiny house builds that even construction professionals can use.
>> What we're listening to: The ConTechCrew podcast. Each week, the hosts interview innovators in construction software, 3D printing, laser scanning, apps for construction, robotics and more.
>> What we're reading: Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict, the latest read from William Ury, author of the celebrated Getting to Yes. Centered on power of negotiation, it's great for any leader.
>> What's happening soon: The 2025 Holcim Awards for Sustainable Design call for entries is now open!
>> Just for fun: Play Pilfer, the free online word game from Merriam-Webster.
Tips to keep top talent
Keeping your best workers is critical to mitigating the labor shortage. Inc.com offers some tips to retain your top talent, including to:
- Respect their lives away from the job, including more flexibility over their schedules when possible, so they feel appreciated and more committed to the firm.
- Conduct "stay interviews" to uncover what employees like about working with you and what they don't, so you can do more of the former and address the latter.
- Ensure a positive onboarding experience, and make it about more than just paperwork.
Why it matters: These practices, along with fair compensation and benefits, help make you a "destination employer," according to Joe Mull, author of Employalty: How to Ignite Commitment and Keep Top Talent in the New Age of Employment. How will you best retain workers? (Inc.com)
>> Construction tools and amazing machines you need to see
>> What you need to know about upcoming tax changes
>> Deportation threats put construction companies on edge
>> 9 tips for slope-side construction
>> The best-paying cities for construction workers
Holiday How-To: Choose the right employee gift
Giving employees gifts this holiday season? It's time to get started! The Better Business Bureau has some tips for choosing well:
- Review the rules for gifts to federal employees
- Make it personal and relevant
- Deploy branding thoughtfully, if at all
- Add a personalized note
Why it matters: "Gifts are a safe way to show appreciation and build a sense of connection with employees," the BBB notes. (BBB.com)
Site Safety: Working in the dark
On Nov. 3, the regions observing Daylight Saving Time turn the clocks back and darkness falls earlier. Ahead of the "fall back", review critical safety considerations, including these tips from the Center for Construction Research and Training and the National Safety Council:
- Provide workers with high-visibility, reflective safety apparel
- Align light levels to activities in each area
- Monitor field lighting for brightness
- Deploy more reflective materials/lettering
- Set up larger traffic control devices and light up entries and exits
- Keep materials and tools secure and pathways clear
Why it matters: Working in low light or after dark is often necessary to make up for weather delays, meet contract requirements and avoid costly delays. Keeping your crew safe is the best way to get the most from night work. (Safety & Health Magazine)
- The New Rules of Business podcast The founders of Chief, a networking and support organization designed for women in executive roles, interview business leaders and researchers about how leadership is evolving and the insights needed to be a stronger leader.
- ABC webinar on AI Tune in for the latest on using AI to solve some of the industry's most pressing issues.
- Construction Compensation Survey Report Review comprehensive pay data for senior project manager, senior estimator and controller positions.
Political Positions: Candidates' ideas about workplace issues
Wondering how the presidential candidates will handle pressing workplace issues if elected? The Society of Human Relations Management outlines each candidate's position alongside its own expert insights on key issues such as:
- The Family & Medical Leave Act
- Diversity, inclusion and belonging
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Workforce development
- Regulations
Why it matters: Being informed on the issues helps you make smarter decisions for your business. (SHRM)
Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at thelevel@mynewsletters.co. We enjoy hearing from you.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.
