In the construction industry, the most valuable asset isn’t machinery, materials or even the projects themselves — it’s the people behind them. Ensuring their health, happiness and overall well-being is key to building a strong, sustainable business. As a leader in human resources (HR), I’ve seen firsthand how investing in your team’s well-being can drive lasting business success. But how can business owners and managers implement effective strategies to promote engagement? In this article, I’ll dive into how to implement programs that support your team with examples of actionable steps for prioritizing your team’s well-being and, in turn, improving your company’s performance.
Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Tailoring Support for Your Team
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that when it comes to supporting team members, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Every organization — and every workforce — has unique needs. For instance, in construction, you’re working with diverse individuals, ranging from those just entering the workforce to those nearing retirement age.
Creating support programs requires a thoughtful approach — meeting most team members’ needs while offering options for specific groups, like new parents or those nearing retirement. The challenge lies in ensuring broad participation, as many programs have minimum engagement requirements. That’s where clear communication and education come into play.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Development Programs
Whether you’re adding programs for the first time or evolving your company’s existing programs, here’s a guide to help you develop effective support programs for your team members.
1. Start With a Needs Assessment
The first step in implementing any development initiative is to assess the current needs of your workforce. You can use surveys, one-on-one meetings or performance evaluations. Identifying any gaps in skills or knowledge that may exist within your team is crucial. This process may be more hands-on in smaller organizations, with HR working closely with managers to ensure no one is left out. In larger companies, a system of checks and balances may be necessary to provide comprehensive data collection.
The most effective way to assess these needs is through open communication. Surveys — both formal and informal — can provide critical insights into what your team values and the type of support they seek. When people feel their suggestions are taken seriously and see changes based on their input, they’re more likely to stay engaged and participate in these programs.
2. Design Effective Training Programs That Work for Your Team
Once you have identified the skills gaps, it’s time to design training programs tailored to your industry’s needs. Key components might include safety training, technical skills, leadership development and ongoing professional growth. In my experience, incorporating assessments to evaluate understanding and effectiveness can help ensure these programs provide real value to team members. Our company is currently doing team training with all groups using lessons from Patrick Lencioni’s “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” As we continue to do this comprehensive training across the organization, it’s become part of the fabric of the company’s culture. It started with the leaders of work groups, and it has proven to be so successful that we are now training at every level of our team.
3. Roll Out Your Program & Evaluate Your Progress
Effective communication is essential when rolling out any new initiative. Not all team members can access company email, so holding team meetings or quick huddles at the start of a workday can help ensure everyone is informed. It’s also essential to gather feedback regularly — not only from the participants but also from their supervisors — to gauge the impact of these programs. If a particular topic or training method doesn’t resonate with your workforce, don’t hesitate to pivot to something that will.
Building a Resilient Workforce
Supporting a resilient workforce — especially in the physically demanding construction industry — requires a holistic approach. Health and safety initiatives must be integrated into the broader support strategy. This goes beyond basic protocols to address the physical, emotional and mental well-being of your team members.
Customizing Support Programs
Providing resources like personal development initiatives can have a profound impact. Our team also uses programs like Matthew Kelly’s “The Dream Program” to help support mental wellness. This program empowers team members to achieve personal or professional goals that go well beyond their core roles.
Companies can also sustain active team engagement with routine celebrations, team member recognition and performance reward programs, which ensure staff feel recognized and valued every day they come to work.
Integrating Health & Safety Into a Holistic Support Strategy
My workplace’s approach to health and safety initiatives starts with strong leadership commitment, ensuring financial and resource investments are a priority. We involve our team members in shaping these programs. Their feedback is crucial in designing initiatives that genuinely meet their needs.
For instance, we developed a more effective process after identifying a communication gap regarding our benefits, particularly for personnel without regular email access. This ensured that everyone, especially those in physically demanding roles, fully understood and could benefit from available resources supporting their physical and emotional well-being.
Designing Targeted Training & Development
In developing a resilient workforce, my company’s process starts with recruitment, where candidates are carefully screened to ensure a strong fit with the business’s technical and cultural demands. Every hire is critical, and from day one, new team members are paired with a peer partner for in-depth, personalized training in their work area. This includes the essential safety training and equipment certification needed for their roles.
Building & Sustaining an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace in a dispersed construction setting requires consistent communication and thoughtful initiatives. Businesses can use electronic and physical newsletters to keep everyone updated on important news, events and team member recognition, from performance milestones to birthdays and anniversaries.
My company implemented large-screen monitors, weekly team lunches and videoconferencing tools to enhance communication. We plan to introduce touch-screen monitors for easier access to protocols and instructions on the floor by 2025. These efforts help foster connection and inclusivity, regardless of the teams’ location.
Encouraging Open Communication
Open communication is the foundation of a supportive workplace culture. One practical way to encourage this is through regular one-on-one meetings, not just with direct supervisors but also with higher-level managers. When leaders at all levels try to connect with team members, it fosters an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
Recognizing Team Member Achievements
In addition to formal communication channels, informal recognition — especially peer-to-peer — can be incredibly powerful. There is something special about a colleague recognizing you, and it encourages good teamwork. When people know their team appreciates them, they’re always willing to go the extra mile. It sends an especially great message when people are recognized across departments by someone they may not expect to notice their efforts or hard work.
Fostering Community Involvement & Social Responsibility
Community involvement and corporate social responsibility can play a big role in promoting team member satisfaction and retention. People love the opportunity to give back, and many team members are eager to participate in volunteer programs or charity events, especially when a cause resonates with them personally.
Team Engagement Is a Win-Win
Promoting team member well-being is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical component of long-term business success. Construction business owners can see tangible improvements in productivity, retention and overall performance by taking a tailored approach to support programs, building resilient teams through development and training, creating a positive work environment and fostering community involvement.
Remember: your team is your greatest asset. When you invest in its well-being, you’re investing in your company’s future as well.
