Construction Law

Important Values for Construction Companies Part 1

It’s easy to lose sight of your values when working in a stressful industry. The construction industry is a perfect example. Contractors strive to provide their employees with an environment of inclusion and consideration, but when deadlines approach and timelines get tighter, company values can be ignored in favor of an aggressive “get it done” attitude that doesn’t always land with employees.

If you want to ensure that your workers are happy to work for you, it’s important to establish a strong set of values for your company. These values should be consistent among all employees throughout every level of your organization. In this four-part series, the Nashville construction lawyers at Cotney Construction Law will explore important values for construction companies.   

Do You Believe In Your Company’s Values?

Your company’s mission statement or set of values should illustrate your beliefs clearly for your employees and clients. Too often, we find that companies fail to uphold their own values. This hypocrisy not only compromises the public’s ability to trust a brand, but it can also result in a lack of faith internally. If your customers and employees think you’re blowing smoke when you discuss your company’s values, they’re going to lose respect for your company. In some cases, workers will abandon a job because the behavior of those in leadership roles fails to meet the standards established in your company’s set of values and code of conduct.

As a contractor, you need to believe in your company’s values if you plan to be successful in the construction industry. If a customer is offered the opportunity to work with two contractors who are charging the same price for a project, but one contractor lacks values, they will usually side with the company that professes real values. As such, it’s important to be realistic when establishing the merits of your company. For example, if you tell workers that foul language is banned on the project site, but you regularly use foul language when communicating with workers, they will grow to resent you for what they perceive as unfair treatment.

Are Your Values Realistic?

If you want your employees to follow your values, you need to be tactful when deciding which values are the most important to your company. If you fail to establish enough values, they will be forgotten soon after you present them to your employees. On the other hand, if you try to force too many values on your employees, they may fail to adapt and become frustrated when confronted about a “lack of values.”

To learn more about important values for construction companies, read parts two, three, and four.

If you would like to speak with a Nashville construction attorney, 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.