How to involve millennials and generation Z in the construction sector?

A large proportion of construction companies and contractors find it difficult to fill their jobs in the construction industry. What about the younger generation? Consider the challenges that most workers today are 40 and older (Generation X and Baby Boomers). Should companies target millennials and Generation Z?

Here are some of the top reasons why Millennials are great for the construction industry.

They value innovation

According to the research, in the construction industry they are more interested in pushing the limits and driving innovation. They like to solve problems in new ways and come up with new ideas for doing things.

They provide balance

Work-life balance isn't a bad thing, in fact, it's one of the top factors they consider when looking for a job. These generations are here to say that you don't need to work your ass off to get the job done, but rather choose to find creative solutions to work more efficiently. Finding ways to work smarter, not harder, is a huge benefit for this generation.

They value creativity and collaboration

They come from a "connected" generation who highly value the ability to be creative on projects and collaborate with team members. With the fresh perspectives this generation brings, their desire for creative collaborations will only further benefit this growing industry.

they want to be challenged

In various studies asked to list their main reasons for staying with their company, survey participants responded "I face challenges and my company provides opportunities to learn and improve." In fact, these generations are not interested in staying in a position for more than 20 years, but instead choose to focus on how to improve their skills and continue professional development while adding long-term value to the industry.

They value feedback and communication

These generations want to know how they are doing and want to work for companies that provide clear direction and feedback. This generation prefers to receive continuous feedback because it allows them to understand how their contributions benefit or impact their company. It is the desire of these generations for transparency and active participation in progress that prepares them and their companies for success.

Today, millennials and Generation Z make up 50% of the workforce. By 2030, they will represent 75%. The construction industry needs to be prepared, and forward-thinking business leaders will be thinking about how to attract and capitalize on this generation of digital natives, infusing their organizations with fresh ideas and new approaches. Unfortunately, industries like construction face more challenges than others in attracting and retaining millennial workers.

Don't risk your long-term success. Think today about how you can attract these new generations and bolster your roster with a constant stream of new talent.

1. Give millennials and Gen Z something to be proud of.

A study from Bentley University reports that 84% believe that having a positive impact in the world is more important than being recognized as a professional.

This highlights that the next generation of young professionals wants to achieve goals they can be proud of.

To attract millennial and Gen Z candidates, consider demonstrating your organization's positive impact on the world. If you can't find anything, consider getting involved or contributing to projects that make a difference.

These may include community support and social development or even environmental protection.

2. Encourage positive social interaction in your construction labor business.

When deciding whether to work for a company, 52% believe a healthy work culture is important.

This highlights that the next generation of talent values ​​company culture more than brand. Since most workers in the construction industry cannot afford to work remotely, they are likely to spend more time at work than at home.

Fostering positive social interaction in the workforce is critical. Corporate events, potlucks, and other events that bring your team together can make your company more attractive. Also, consider sharing all of these moments on your organization's social media profiles to catch the eye of these generational candidates.

3. Solidarity business culture

Millennials want to be sure that their work matters and that their employers value them. Feedback, mentorship, and coaching from young professionals show their support and confidence in their abilities. In addition, they want to contribute to the success of your organization.

Allow your youngest recruits to present unique solutions and recognize their achievements. Pairing millennials and Gen Zers with more experienced workers may do the trick. This shows that you care about what they are learning and support their development.

4. A supportive business culture.

They want to make sure their jobs matter and are valued by their employers. Feedback, coaching, and mentoring from young professionals show their support and confidence in your abilities. In addition, they want to contribute to the success of the organization. Additionally, offer more regular feedback after project completion and reward based on performance, not necessarily tenure.

Let your youngest recruits come up with unique solutions and recognize their accomplishments. Pairing these generations with more experienced workers could be the solution. This shows that you care about what they are learning and support their development.

5. Encourage innovation and the use of technology in your construction business

They are digital natives who grew up with technology. They grew up with the Internet and are trained to find all the information they need. They connect through smartphones, laptops, tablets, pc and are used to instant delivery (Uber, Amazon, etc.). They prefer their communications to be bite-sized: easily digestible, instantly understandable with images and visuals to grab their attention.

Regardless of the scope of work, they want to make an impact. The construction industry should welcome young workers and not fall into the trap of thinking that employees should "put in their time..." to generate new ideas.

6. Communication, vision and clear objectives

They want fair wages. They also want to use the latest technology and work in an innovative environment. For construction companies, that doesn't mean paper and pencil. Instead, it means digital tools and automated processes. This means promoting your new construction method or approach, such as sustainable design and new applications. Embracing new technologies—drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, BIM, project management, and more—demonstrates your team's commitment to innovation and the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. As digital natives, it will speak their language and allow them to participate, collaborate and contribute.

Our Lueste professionals will help you with all your concrete needs, as well as construction services for all types of projects. We have a team of experts who can provide you with high-quality mixes suitable for your project. We serve CDMX. Call +52 (55) 5598-9348 or contact us online.