Much like any industry, time is money in construction. If you’re managing a worksite, you want to be doing everything you can to maintain optimum productivity for the sake of your client and future business for your company.
This can be a challenging task in any industry, construction included. But unproductive workers not only cost you time and money; they’re also a hazard to potential future business and site safety. That’s why improving productivity on construction projects should be at the top of your list of priorities. Below we have outlined a few steps you can take to start boosting productivity in your crew!
1) Start with realistic goals.
Unrealistic performance deadlines and impossible performance standards place undue stress on your workers. When workers are under too much pressure, they’re more likely to work less efficiently or make mistakes. The goals you set for your team should be clear and attainable.
Evaluate your project resources and field data from previous projects in order to set a baseline for your current project objectives. Outline long-term project goals as well as smaller checkpoints to be reached along the way. A good way to motivate your team to meet these short and long-term goals is by offering incentives, such as bonus pay or PTO.
2) Make good communication a priority.
It’s hard to do a job at all, let alone efficiently, if nobody on site knows what’s going on. Clear and direct communication about project plans, goals, safety, changes/updates, and assignments is essential to a functioning and productive construction site.
Good communication should be a focus before your project and for its duration. This includes communication between management and crew members, as well as among your crew. Make sure communicative pathways are a two-way street, so workers feel comfortable voicing concerns, questions, or ideas that can contribute to productivity.
3) Implement a safety program.
First and foremost, good safety practices are a crucial aspect of your project in order to keep crew members healthy and unharmed. But also, from a productivity standpoint, on-site injuries and accidents cause delays that slow down your operation.
For both of these reasons, everybody working on your construction site must be thoroughly trained in the latest safety procedures and regulations. Not only do you need to train everyone initially, you also need to continue to remind them of the importance of following safety guidelines. Posted reminders, daily or weekly safety meetings, and continuous trainings are the best ways to do this.
4) Invest in employee training.
A team who is knowledgeable and skilled in the latest construction methodologies and technologies will get the job done quicker and more competently. Start from the top down by hiring managers with a lot of job experience. They’ll be able to more effectively organize and lead trainings and provide support for crew members as they learn.
Another reason to put sufficient time and resources into employee training is to show your workers that you want to invest in their growth and abilities. When they feel as though you care about their professional progress, they will be more motivated to work productively and remain loyal to your company.
5) Always have the quality equipment and supplies you need for the job.
Waiting for equipment to arrive or failing to have the materials you need to use that equipment as safely and efficiently as possible is a waste of project time and money. You should always have at least a week’s worth of materials on hand, so your crew can keep moving with no interruption to their workflow.
The easiest way to see what supplies you’re missing or running low on is to take regular inventory (weekly, if possible). Consistently taking and updating inventory will allow you to stay organized and order what you need far enough in advance that it doesn’t disrupt productivity. Don’t forget that the quality of your materials is just as important as the quantity, so take the time to find a company with products you can trust.
When your construction team is able to use their machinery safely and efficiently, without damaging the ground or equipment, that is when they will be the most productive. Ritter Forest Products can provide you with the hardwood crane mats, custom timbers, dragline mats, pipeline skids, outrigger pads, shoring materials, and other products you need to make that happen.
Get in touch with our specialists today to secure the supplies you need for your next project!
