Building the Future Commission has released its final report which explores major challenges facing the construction industry.
It highlights recruitment as a key priority for businesses, reminding us that a strong workforce is at the core of success. Without it, addressing other issues - including net zero carbon emission, building safety and the digital skills gap, is impossible.
Furthermore, construction companies are facing fierce competition for talent, not only from within their industry but also from other sectors across the UK economy. This challenge is compounded by a decrease in the overall workforce following Brexit and stricter immigration regulations.
What else does the report pinpoint as a challenge for the industry?
Staffing shortages
The construction industry is grappling with significant staffing shortages, requiring an estimated 45,000 additional workers annually from 2023 to 2027, according to the CITB and the Construction Skills Network. This demand is particularly acute in infrastructure, housebuilding, and maintenance sectors, where persistent skills gaps in areas such as bricklaying and drylining exist. Additionally, investments in leadership, digital proficiency, and energy efficiency skills are necessary to boost productivity and address emerging challenges like net-zero emissions and building safety.
Addressing the industry's image problem is also crucial, as perceptions of it being male-dominated, unappealing, and inflexible deter diverse and younger talent from joining. Despite these obstacles, there's an opportunity for the industry to modernise and attract a broader talent pool by improving accessibility and implementing effective marketing campaigns. Brexit has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to a decline in EU-born workers in the UK construction sector, underscoring the need to focus on domestic talent retention and attraction efforts. Robust marketing efforts, including high-profile campaigns, are essential to reshape perceptions and attract new entrants into the construction workforce.
Women - more specifically, the lack of - in construction
Women's representation in the construction industry has seen an increase, with females comprising 15.8% of the workforce in the second quarter of 2023, partially due to a decline in male workers. Challenges persist, including limited access to proper equipment and facilities, compounded by issues of sexism and racism, particularly for women from ethnic-minority backgrounds.
While progress is gradual, initiatives and mentorship programs are aiding women's advancement, highlighting the need for collective action to foster gender diversity. Recognising the business imperative of gender parity, organisations must implement policies supporting women, including flexible working arrangements and a culture combating discrimination.
Diversity and inclusion
Enhancing diversity in the construction sector remains crucial, with ethnic-minority employees constituting only 6% of the workforce. Proactive measures, such as setting diversity targets and providing training for board roles, are essential for fostering inclusivity.
Flexible working
Flexible working, though less prevalent in construction, has shown positive outcomes, enhancing wellbeing and work-life balance without compromising project timelines. Embracing flexibility benefits various groups, including parents and caregivers, contributing to a more inclusive and motivated workforce. True flexibility, encompassing workplace, workloads, and patterns, is vital for attracting and retaining diverse talent. Additionally, holistic wellbeing strategies, influenced by organisational culture and leadership, are essential for a healthier workplace.
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