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It’s that time of year again – spring is (hopefully!) quickly approaching and construction companies around the state are preparing for work to start back up on a full-time basis. One of the biggest challenges facing contractors each year is the hiring of hard-working, safety-conscious employees to fill each and every need in the field.
From the outset of the recruiting process, companies can take certain steps to reduce the risk of hiring bad employees that will later turn into jobsite problems, workers compensation cases, or other issues.
The Recruitment Process – Tips for Finding New Employees
• Requesting referrals from current employees can be the fastest way to generate qualified candidates.
• Previous experience is obviously preferred, but depending on the volume of work and time of the year, may not always be feasible. Finding employees with translatable skills, including production-focused work experience and demonstrated knowledge of safe work practices, may be the key to a successful season.
• Targeting supervisors at other companies may be a way to recruit multiple employees at one time.
The On-Boarding Process
• EctoHR recommends conducting formal orientations designed to familiarize new employees with the Company and with each other, allowing them to build rapport.
• Companies should always reinforce to potential new hires that any job offer is contingent upon successfully completing and passing the Company’s pre-employment screening, including background checks and drug tests.
• Background Checks and Drug Tests should be completed, with results received, before an employee is allowed onto a jobsite. While employers may find themselves in a pinch, a policy that specifically restricts an employee from working prior to the results of both a drug test and background check are received is always best.
• EctoHR recommends checking criminal records and Motor Vehicle Records on all employees, even those that have worked for the company before.
• For physical positions, such as Laborers, Carpenters, and other related positions, a physical exam to test a potential employee’s fitness for duty can be a critical part of the process.
Given the steps required and the time invested into each potential new employee, it is clearly critical to start recruiting new employees in advance of the busy season. Early planning and preparation for each construction season ensures that your company will have the best employees that will help you outperform the competition.
EctoHR can help with hiring
If you or someone you know is interested in working in the construction field, or if your company needs help hiring for the busy season, please contact Colleen Richards at 810.534.0170 or colleen@172.81.118.1.