Boosting Work Morale on a Behind Schedule Project Part 1

There’s nothing worse than a behind schedule construction project. As a contractor, you likely feel the brunt of the pressure, but don’t forget that your crew is carrying that burden on their shoulders as well.

Today our Lakeland construction attorneys are here with some tips for boosting worker morale when a project has fallen behind. In Part 1 of this three-part article, we will discuss keeping communication a two-way street and making workers feel valued. In Part 2, we will cover acting quickly and communicating the opportunity for advancement. In Part 3, we’ll explore how safety affects morale and the positive effects of bonuses.

Keep Communication a Two-Way Street

When a project is running behind schedule, it can be more tempting than ever to issue commands with little room for discussion. While there is nothing wrong with communicating the severity of the situation, make sure you do so in a way that will actually help move things along.

A jobsite requires a team mentality. As a contractor, it’s best to be a coach—not a drill sergeant.

Your workers are often the first ones aware of a problem. If crew members have become too apathetic or intimidated to bring your attention to an issue, it could be far longer before it is discovered. This can slow an already-behind construction project, and potentially cause larger issues that would require a Lakeland construction attorney.

Making your employees feel that their voices are heard can go a long way in ensuring that problems are reported immediately. It can also keep you aware of which methods have been positively received by your crew, and what strategies are most effective.

Make Workers Feel Valued

This one may sound counterintuitive since a behind schedule project seems like the last time for niceties.

However, a valued and engaged employee is a productive employee, according to studies by the Queens School of Business and Gallup Organization.

The studies showed that disengaged workers had:

  • 16% lower profitability
  • 18% lower productivity
  • 37% higher absenteeism
  • 49% more accidents
  • 60% more errors/defects
  • 65% lower share price over time

When workers don’t feel valued, they are less likely to be engaged. Additionally, workplace stress leads to an increase in voluntary turnover of almost 50 percent. The last thing you want is an employee quitting if your project is already behind.

At a time of pressing deadlines, employee loyalty is more crucial than ever. Show your employees you value them by listening to what they have to say, praising victories rather than just pointing out mistakes, and keeping their overall happiness in mind.

If you would like to speak with a Lakeland construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.