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4 workforce development strategies to build a more productive team

Written by Sophia Rostron | Mar 6, 2016 2:00:00 PM

It's never been more important to the growth of a construction business to employ at talent pool that includes people with top skills. To positively impact the bottom line as soon as possible, make sure that top talent is properly onboarded. It's no longer enough to get them in the door. You need to coach them in the company's way of operating to achieve optimal success. 

How long has it been since the company recruitment strategy was reviewed? Does the company even have one? If you do, is it time for a much-needed refresh? Before plotting out a new strategy, make sure there is a strong understanding of business needs, goals, short and long-term operating plans, workforce plans, succession plans and the critical roles in the company.

Some tactics to immediately support your new recruitment strategy include a careers page, building a referral program, job board distribution and using social networking to grow the talent community. 

1. Build an employee profile by outlining who would be a perfect fit for the company. 

  • what kind of skills does this job require
  • what type of personality

2. Make an onboarding plan that will ensure they are successful in the critical first six months on the job

  • what they can expect in return
  • avoid having to replace the new hire

3. Create a strong pre-hire assessment which will save time in recruiting while increasing the likelihood of a quality hire

  • how to evaluate your candidate with the info your company needs to see (and not just what the potential employee wants to be seen via resume/application)
  • allow comparison against your ideal employee profile already in place (step 1)
  • speed up hiring process

4. Keep an eye on compliance standards or changes in recruiting requirements

  • stay up to date with the latest licenses, tickets and qualifications needed for your projects (for example - check out our recent post about being TMR qualified which most people don't realise requires a certification card to work on QLD roads)
  • Not being compliant or able to access documentation that demonstrates outreach can be costly in terms of fines, time lost, projects lost, deadlines not met, customer relationships and trust weakened. 

There's plenty to consider when you're hiring new members to join your company. Creating and implementing processes supported by your company policies and capabilities will ensure top talent is available to the company and there to stay. 

To help you keep on top of the latest in compliance requirements, we've created a free eBook with all of the licenses, ticks, certifications and more needed to work in Australian construction. Check it out below!