Builders Dangle Premium Site Facilities to Lure Workers

Construction firms are investing millions in building site amenities to combat labour shortages and boost productivity, industry leaders have revealed. Speaking to developers at Procore’s Construction Productivity: Pain or Gain webinar, presented by The Urban Developer , Henny managing director Ben Turner said his company was now supplying premium facilities to compete with larger sites offering high-end amenities to workers. The investment comes as builders face ongoing challenges in attracting workers to residential projects over infrastructure developments. Turner said Henny was countering the drain on workers by infrastructure projecrs with such methods as triple-stacked amenities on one of its apartment developments, and hiring cleaners to ensure the “AAA space” stays in tip-top condition. “It’s larger than you’d see on major infrastructure projects. And we have everything under cover, and a dedicated person keeps the facilities clean daily,” Turner said. Turner said large union sites were using premium amenities to poach the better-quality contractors from small-to-medium and domestic developments. He wants to level the playing field. “I think what’s happening nowadays is that ... a lot of the workers are looking at some smaller sites and asking, ‘Why would I go work on an apartment project where I’m not looked after appropriately?’,” Turner said. Turner said that Henny’s status as an EBA-affiliated contractor influenced its approach to worker amenities. The Enterprise Bargaining Agreement sets out employer entitlements and conditions in workplaces. ▲ Henny ’ s Como development is the beneficiary of “more engaged workers”, says Turner. Tim Lowe of Lowe Living also highlighted the connection between site conditions and subcontractor stability. “Many businesses in the non-EBA space have gone into liquidation. They’re struggling to get workers, which affects their productivity and ability to deliver projects,” Lowe said. “You’re always going to get staff who think the grass is greener elsewhere. And you’ll get some boomerang staff who go and come back because it wasn ’ t quite as what they thought it was.” Weather remains a significant factor in site productivity. Covered walkways, once seen as a union requirement, are now recognised as essential for maintaining workflow during adverse conditions. These amenities might add to preliminary costs, Lowe said, but they go a long way towards preventing productivity losses due to weather. New technology was also playing an increasing role in site management. Procore Technologies strategic product consultant Emma De Francesco said construction management software was evolving to support better site practices. De Francesco said advancements in ‘premium’ technology ensured easier access to up-to-date documentation, even in remote or offline environments, improving communication and decision-making onsite. ▲ Tim Lowe ( pictured third from the left ) says Lowe Living has enjoyed “a pretty good level of consistency with our staff”. Innovations in building models, management systems and software overlays optimised workflows, enhanced efficiency, and streamlined collaboration across construction projects, she said. “We’re seeing the integration of AI and enhanced resource management features. Companies can now track subcontractor engagement and manage defects through digital tools,” De Francesco said. Andrew Lee from Force Fire described how they use real-time 3D modelling for installation coordination. “Our teams can view the model on an iPad, seeing exactly where each component needs to be, improving efficiency and reducing errors,” Lee said. “And a lot more can be resolved on the screen before we have to step onsite.” De Francesco said the key development in construction productivity was the ability to measure it effectively. “Historically, productivity was gauged by invoicing or time spent but recent advances in technology provide detailed insights, allowing developers and builders to better understand where time is spent, identify inefficiencies and make more informed decisions earlier than later,” De Francesco said. The panel acknowledged that premium technology and site facilities represented a significant upfront investment. A typical amenities setup for a mid-sized project can cost upwards of $500,000, but Turner emphasised the return on investment. “The sites where we’ve invested in better facilities are seeing more engaged workers,” Turner said. “People spend more time on a building site than at home, so we try to provide that level of comfort ... that they go there and they actually enjoy it. “That’s sort of fresh thinking in the industry.”

Industrial
Leon Della Bosca
Tue 15 Oct 24

Builders Dangle Premium Site Facilities to Lure Workers

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IndustrialLeon Della BoscaTue 15 Oct 24

Builders Dangle Premium Site Facilities to Lure Workers

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