Will a Shortage in Construction Workers Lead to Unique Hiring Practices?

Unemployment is hitting historic lows across the nation and as a result, some industries are having trouble finding qualified workers. This is true of much of the construction industry. Those in the position of hiring are having to look beyond their typical candidate pool to find the workers they need. Read on to learn more about some of the unique hiring practices that are being used in parts of the country. If you need help with construction supplies, let Grove Hardware be your trusted partner.

Some companies are focusing on workers just released from prison

While some employers won’t work with a person that has a criminal history, or at least not a recent one, other construction companies are embracing recently released prisoners. They find that while some workers don’t make the cut, others have something to prove. They want to move on with their lives and start over, and a good job helps them do that.

Foreman also find that many who are released from prison are required to have steady employment as a condition of their release. As a result, they have an added incentive not just to show up but to work hard for their employer.

Finally, many prisons and jails are offering their inmates opportunities to learn skills while behind bars. If more construction companies focus on giving jobs to those who are released from prisons and jails, then more jails and prisons may offer construction skills. This prevents a construction company from having to take on the cost of training new employees and is a win-win for everyone involved.

Other companies are working with workers who have disabilities

Another tactic has been to find skilled workers who have disabilities. This is a wise move for many reasons, including the fact that one study showed that employees with disabilities have the best attendance records. Employers say that workers with disabilities have team player attitudes and are more likely to know how to think outside the box.

There are resources for companies that want to find employees who disabilities, including the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor Office, and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion. These are free, nationwide services that can help companies learn what jobs are best suited for individuals with certain disabilities, and how to recruit them and retain them as employees.

Now is the time to think outside of the box

It may be that neither of these options appeals to you or is feasible for your construction jobs. If that’s the case, then you may have to come up with your own ideas. The bottom line is that every company must find their own way forward in this current industry. At Grove Hardware we are always staying on top of the best ways to save you labor and resources. For example, just our quick drive systems themselves can make a big impact. Feel free to stop by or give us a call at 909-544-4331 for more information.