As experienced construction managers retire, it's more important than ever to attract quality professionals and help them grow in expertise and satisfaction.
Running out of construction managers?
The shortage we are experiencing is due to several factors, including the increasing complexity of projects, the high demand for skilled project managers, and the retirement of experienced professionals. Additionally, the rapid growth of technology and the need for digital transformation in many organizations has created a greater demand for project managers with specialized skills in areas such as risk management and data analytics. So how can you attract talented professionals in this field, and how can you keep them on your team?
1. Competitive Compensation. Offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, including performance-based incentives, and opportunities for career advancement.
2. Professional Development. Provide your team members with continuing education--training programs, mentorship opportunities, and coursework such as CMAA's Certified Construction Manager credential--to foster professional growth and development.
3. Work-Life Balance. Promote a truly healthy balance between a construction manager's work and the rest of their life. Offer flexible work hours, remote-work options, and paid time off. Create and nurture a positive work environment, and you'll keep burnout at bay.
4. Recognition and Rewards. Boost morale and increase job satisfaction by actively acknowledging your team members' achievements and contributions. Recognize your valuable construction managers publicly through awards and promotions.
5. Clear Career Path. Show your construction managers what their future can hold. Provide opportunities for promotion, leadership roles, and cross-functional experiences.
6. Supportive Work Culture. Creating a collaborative work culture is essential for attracting and retaining project managers. Foster open communication, actively recruit and include professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, provide resources and tools for success, celebrate diversity, and promote team spirit. Share the work and the wins.
7. Latest Technology. Demonstrate your commitment to professionalism by identifying and leveraging state-of-the-art technology that increases success for your projects and satisfaction for your team. It may be the newer project managers who are primarily driving demand for the use of technology, but all construction managers want to work more efficiently. Give them the right tools, and train them on how best to use those tools.
Choose the best strategies for your specific professionals, organization, and industry. It's important to tailor these approaches to meet the needs and preferences of the project managers you most want to attract and retain.
