02 May Finding The Right People For The Job
Posted at 15:14h
in Construction Industry Insights
In construction, success relies on a strong, unified team. Recruitment isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about building a workforce that shares values and drives excellence. In a recent episode of the Media Core Minute Podcast, Josh talks with Jeremy Ellingson, COO at Ellingson, about crucial recruitment strategies. They discuss aligning core values, retaining talent, and the importance of people in construction.
Success in Construction: Values, Retention, and Compensation.
In the world of construction, success relies on not only a great end product and process but on the strength and cohesion of the team behind the projects. It’s important to recognize that recruitment isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about building a workforce that embodies core values, fosters retention, and drives excellence. Josh sat down with Ellingson’s Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ellingson to talk about his experience as a COO and how he grows his employees on episode #35 of the Media Core Minute Podcast. They dove into the crucial aspects of recruitment in construction, effective training, aligning people with roles, and the importance of recognizing construction as a people business.
Core Values: At the heart of every successful construction team are shared core values that guide behavior and decision-making. Jeremy said, “If everyone is treated with respect and you have really strong core values that can really empower people to do a great job.” These values serve as the foundation upon which a positive workplace culture is built. Whether it’s a commitment to safety, integrity, collaboration, or innovation, articulating and embodying these values is essential for attracting like-minded individuals who align with the company’s mission and vision. By fostering a culture rooted in shared values, companies can create a cohesive team that works towards common goals with passion and dedication.
Retention: Retention is a critical aspect of recruitment that often gets overlooked. In a competitive industry like construction, retaining top talent is important for sustained success. To achieve this, companies must prioritize employee engagement, career development, and work-life balance. Offering competitive wages and benefits packages, providing opportunities for advancement, and creating a supportive work environment can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding employee’s contributions foster a sense of loyalty and commitment, strengthening the bond between your team and the company. “As your company grows it really starts to change to more of a people business…. people are the backbone of the company,” says Jeremy. At its core, construction is a people business. Behind every structure, bridge, or skyscraper are the dedicated individuals who bring these projects to life. Recognizing the human element of construction is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. By prioritizing people, you can build strong foundations for your team to thrive and achieve remarkable results. Once you’ve attracted good people to your organization, you want to keep them.
Competitive Wages and Benefits: In an industry where skilled labor is in high demand, offering competitive wages and benefits is non-negotiable. Companies that prioritize fair compensation not only attract top talent but also demonstrate their commitment to valuing employees’ skills and contributions. Competitive wages not only attract skilled workers but also motivate them to perform at their best, driving productivity and quality on projects. Moreover, comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare, retirement plans, and incentives, contribute to employee satisfaction and overall well-being, further bolstering retention efforts.
Cultivating Excellence Through Training, Strategic Placement, and Servant Leadership
Training: Investing in employee training and development is an investment in the future of the company. In the fast-paced world of construction, staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements is crucial for remaining competitive. “What’s important is to continue to provide opportunities for your team to grow and learn,” says Jeremy. Providing ongoing training programs not only enhances employees’ skills and expertise but also instills a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Whether it’s safety training, technical skills development, or leadership workshops, empowering employees with both the knowledge and tools they need to succeed benefits both the individual and the organization as a whole.
Right Person Right Spot: Putting the right people in the right positions is essential for optimizing performance and productivity within a construction team. Recognizing employees’ strengths, skills, and preferences allows for strategic alignment with roles that capitalize on their abilities and interests. By matching individuals with roles that align with their talents and aspirations, companies can maximize employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall performance. Moreover, fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration and skill-sharing enables teams to leverage diverse expertise and perspectives, driving innovation and problem-solving on projects.
Servant Leadership: Effective leadership is not just about commanding authority but about serving the needs of the team. Jeremy adopted the ‘Leading the Jesus Way‘ approach of leadership to have the mindset of servant leadership. This means prioritizing the growth, development, and well-being of employees above all else. By empowering and supporting team members, leaders can cultivate trust, loyalty, and mutual respect, fostering a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel. Servant leaders prioritize listening, empathy, and collaboration, creating a culture of inclusivity and collective success.
Media Core can help you: Recruitment in construction is not merely about filling positions; it’s about building a cohesive team that is proud of what they do and who they work for. By prioritizing these factors you can lay the groundwork for success. At Media Core, we can help you get the employees you are looking for. We have worked with hundreds of companies to help grow their business in what we call a Recruitment Video. Media Core specializes in creating engaging recruitment videos that capture the essence of a construction company’s brand and culture. These videos provide a visual insight into the company’s projects, work environment, and team dynamics, helping candidates envision themselves as part of the organization. Recruitment videos serve as powerful tools for attracting top talent and differentiating the company from competitors. Together, let’s build strong foundations and elevate the construction industry to new heights of excellence.