4 positive changes to expect in the workplace in construction in 2022

There were 10.4 million job openings as of August 2021. Of those unfilled positions, 350,000 are in the construction industry. There are 7.7 million people officially unemployed and looking for work to fill those positions. With more jobs than people, companies have to shift how they attract and retain talent. Here are some of the exciting changes to look forward to in construction in 2022.

Creation of opportunities for underrepresented groups

Construction companies have to make cultural shifts in order to make workers feel welcome and valued. There is a drive aimed at attracting new workers to the industry, regardless of their gender or cultural background. A welcoming culture at the workplace is key to talent retention. In 2022 emphasis is being placed on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities.

The remote-work revolution

Because of the pandemic and talent shortage, conventional workplaces are being forced to be flexible. Remote work has proven that work can get done despite the change in the way employees work. We can expect to see more flexible schedules in the workplace. According to consulting firm Robert Half, 41% of managers allow employees to set their own hours. 27% of managers don’t mind if employees put in fewer than 40 hours a week if they finish their work.

Coaching has been shown to increase engagement and productivity

Over the past two years managers have been exposed to the human side of their employees because of the pandemic. This has created flexibility and informality in the workplace. Performance assessment should shift more to empowerment brought about by coaching. According to a report from Forrester Coaching empowers employees, empowerment drives engagement, and engagement drives performance. This is good news if you are considering a career in construction in 2022.

Micro-learning is trending

To keep their employees engaged and for the sake of retention, companies need effective learning programs. Gamifying the learning process at work is effective. When employees focus harder for shorter periods, it is more engaging. People crave learning and micro-learning has become very popular.

Kaufman Search & Consulting works with leading Contractors and top-level Talent throughout the country, building teams for tomorrow’s projects one perfect fit at a time. We use extensive know-how and our solid relationships with key decision makers at our client companies to elevate your executive career in construction.

AboutStephanie Kaufman

Career change is a major life decision affecting your professional fulfillment, your family´s livelihood and your employer’s success in the marketplace. Stephanie has had deep understanding of that premise in her decade-long activity as executive search expert supporting construction industry leaders. Her experience pointed to the essential aspects of a perfect professional match such as competence, personality and cultural compatibility. She has developed a portfolio of returning high profile clients and a sensitive and efficient hands-on approach to both sides of the recruitment process. She vouches for investing time in getting to know the clients and candidates on a personal level and diligently guiding them through step by step. All this comes together in a proven strategy that molds to your career and staffing needs, bringing exactly what you need and when you need it.