#16: Humanising the Hard Hat: Employee Relations and Retention

Read time: 3 minutes

Welcome to issue sixteen of Punchline Memo! - Every week, we cut through the drywall of industry jargon and lay the foundation for your success with clear, easy-to-understand strategies that are working TODAY in the construction sector.

A big thank you to our sponsor in this weeks memo:

Fenchurch Contracts is a distinguished provider of professional contracting services, dedicated to delivering exceptional results for their clients.

Their areas of expertise are in Residential Refurbs, Commercial Fit-outs, Design & Builds & New Builds in London and the surrounding areas.

Fenchurch Contracts are currently looking for collaboration opportunities with Project Management & Property Management firms in London and the surrounding areas. Contact can be made with Mark Husselbee at [email protected]

In this week’s instalment of Punchline Memo, we're stepping away from the concrete, iron, and blueprints of our industry. Instead, we're focusing on the human side - the individuals under the hard hats, the heartbeat of our projects: our workforce. Today, we're talking about Employee Relations and Retention.

Not Just Numbers, But a Family

Each person on our team is more than just a badge number or a slot in the project framework. When we take off their hard hats, we uncover dreams, commitments, and a strong work ethic. Let's always remember, they are not just workers. They're our collaborators, an integral part of our corporate family who help turn our concepts into great projects to be proud of.

Beneath the Safety Vest: Employee Relations

People and relationships form the bedrock of any successful business. Employee relations aren't merely about organising birthday celebrations or year-end parties. They're about establishing an environment of respect, openness, and mutual support where problems can be voiced and addressed - an environment that sees value in every team member.

So, cultivate an atmosphere that encourages open dialogue, honours trustworthiness, and nurtures a support system that's stronger than the toughest concrete.

Employee Retention: The Art of Keeping the Best

In a competitive job market, it's mission-critical to retain your top talent. High employee turnover can be detrimental, causing project delays and potential dips in quality. So how do you ensure your best people continue to choose you as their employer?

Firstly, offer comprehensive training and development opportunities. People stay where they can grow. Next, ensure a healthy work-life balance, even in such a deadline-driven industry. Lastly, provide competitive compensation, benefits, and recognition. People should feel that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed or unrewarded.

Building Teams that Build Monuments

Retaining a robust, committed team paves the way for business stability and success. And when your employees feel valued and supported, they're motivated to build their best – helping construct not only buildings but also your company's reputation.

Your Weekly Punchline Tip:

The Appreciation Hammer: This week, reach out personally to an employee you believe has made a significant contribution to a project. Recognise their hard work publicly. This simple act can boost morale and foster a sense of belonging, enhancing productivity and retention.

In the grand world of construction, projects are certainly our business. But our real strength comes from our people, the heart of our projects. High-quality steel might resist the toughest storms, but it's the high-quality relationships you foster with your team that builds an enduring and thriving construction business.

Until next week, keep not just constructing, but also nurturing the human connections at your sites. Remember, behind every hard hat is a heart.

Let's value and appreciate our team, for they are the real architects of our joint success!

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Promote yourself to 8,000+ other subscribers within the construction industry by sponsoring this newsletter.

2. Expanding with the right team is crucial for growth, this is why we take care of your recruitment needs to ensure the position your hiring for is filled with the best person for that role.

3. If you’re turning over between £1m - £10m, and looking to scale your business further, we at Gurler Mae act as a growth partner within your business to implement proven frameworks and strategies, for target driven results.

Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and a dash of humour in our upcoming issues. Until then, keep noticing, keep learning, and keep building!