Craftsmen don’t need a lot to get the job done. With the right tools, enough time, and a little guidance, your team can work magic. Unfortunately, that nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic can lead some construction leaders to assume their employees don’t need a lot of communication. Actually, craftsmen desire just as much back-and-forth from their employers as any other employee. They just don’t complain about it! Find out what your employees want to hear from you so you can optimize craftsman communication for boosted productivity, improved morale, and improved cohesion.
What they’re doing right.
Industrial leaders are so accustomed to craftsmen showing up in high spirits and delivering high-quality results that they don’t even consider offering positive feedback. Even a little comment here and there can go a long way in boosting the confidence of employees, optimizing individual productivity, and increasing team cohesion. If you really want a kick in the butt, consider that 98% of employees become disengaged from work when receiving little to no feedback from employers. Yikes! Experts typically recommend offering positive feedback at least once a week, while providing more in-depth comments a few times a year.
Further Reading: How to Increase Job Satisfaction Among Construction Employees
Where they can improve.
Holding back those “negative comments” for fear of discouraging your employees? Don’t! Research suggests that constructive criticism can actually encourage better performance at the individual and team levels. Just make sure your comments come across as constructive rather than destructive. Here are some elements all critical feedback should include:
- Real-life examples – Offering concrete instances of the behavior you want to avoid makes it easier to address and discuss.
- Opportunity to respond – Giving craftsmen a chance to respond keeps defenses down while allowing employees to take ownership.
- A clear path forward – Setting expectations allows room for improvement while keeping everyone on the same page.
It’s always a good idea to package constructive criticism with some positive feedback, if possible.
What resources are available.
If your business offers resources to help craftsmen succeed (which it should!), you need to be advertising it loud and clear. Whether you offer free training, different kinds of certification, tuition assistance, or retirement assistance, your team shouldn’t have to do the digging on their own. In fact, you should be highlighting these offers when hiring to attract more craftsmen to your business. The benefits don’t stop there though! These resources can lead to more committed, skilled, and motivated employees. If your offerings are being underutilized, that might be a sign you need to do a bit more outreach.
What challenges face the company.
It’s common for project managers to assume that craftsmen are only focused on the day-to-day demands of the job. In reality, you’d be surprised just how in-tune your team is with the overall health of the company. The people on the ground know when things are running smoothly and when complications arise…even at the top level. Craftsmen want to know when the company runs up against obstacles instead of being kept in the dark. This information makes employees feel like valued members of the company while letting them know what to expect moving forward. It also empowers craftsmen to make educated decisions about their careers.
Where the company is headed.
Craftsmen don’t just want to know about the challenges facing the company. They also want (and deserve) to know where the company is headed. Understanding the current achievements and future goals of the business can keep your team motivated and productive. It builds a sense of camaraderie as individual members can see the collective results of their contributions. These insights also help craftsmen determine if your business’s future plans fall in line with their career plans. This way, you can rest assured the people on your payroll are in it for the long haul.
Not finding the talent you need to tackle your construction projects? The industrial staffing experts at Madden Craftsmen can help! We specialize in pairing leading employers with qualified and eager craftsmen. Fill out a job order to get matched with the best-fit candidates in your local area.
