The construction industry has an acute shortage of skilled workers, which is creating a lot of concern among contractors and laborers alike. While it isn't a new problem, there are a number of steps that can be taken to help alleviate the issue. One thing that is becoming more common is cross-training, as it can be helpful in retaining workers. Another step is using virtual reality (VR) technology, as it can provide a glimpse of the working environment and what it's like to work for a particular employer.
Cross-training can help retain workers
Cross-training is a great way to keep skilled workers. It allows employees to gain new skills, which improves their performance and helps them become more productive. Employees who have new skills are also more likely to stay with the company. This can lead to a better work environment and boost the bottom line.
A cross-training program should include guidelines and an assessment. These tools help you determine which jobs are a good fit for each employee. The program can also be done in-house or online. If you decide to use a third-party, make sure they have the resources to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Many employees are looking for more exciting and interesting work. Keeping employees engaged in their work will keep them happy and motivated. Providing rewards to encourage enrollment will help as well. Gift cards and paid time off are some examples.
Investing in a cross-training program can also increase your organization's overall productivity. When everyone knows how to do their job, it helps to avoid bottlenecks that can arise when employees wait to complete their tasks.
Employees who are cross-trained understand their responsibilities and the big picture. They know that their contributions are valued and they can handle difficult situations. This makes them invaluable members of the team.
By building a strong workforce, you can reduce the cost of hiring and onboarding new staff. Cross-training also helps your organization run smoothly during transitions. Whether you are changing roles, moving to a new location, or needing to fill in when an employee is out, cross-training can keep your business running.
Before you start a cross-training program, it's important to have a clear understanding of your organization's needs. For example, if you are in the health care industry, your employees may need to be trained in handling emergency situations.
Robotics are slowly making their way into the construction industry
In a world where workers face a shortage of skilled labor and automation equipment has a lot of advantages over manual labor, the construction industry has begun to make use of robotics. Robotics help workers complete tasks more quickly and safely, freeing them up to focus on more critical tasks.
Robots can handle more load than humans, which improves safety. They can also work in spaces that humans can't. That means fewer accidents. Using construction robotics can increase productivity and keep projects on schedule.
Robots can reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. The construction industry is known for its high rate of worker injuries. There are four common types of construction accidents that can be prevented by using automated technology.
While robots can be helpful, they aren't perfect. Some workers may have to learn new skills. Developing new skill sets and preparing employees for the transition to robotics can prevent a workforce from falling apart.
The construction industry is still in the early stages of adopting robotics. But as the industry becomes more aware of its uses, many builders are counting on construction robotics to boost productivity.
For example, robotics are being used to finish drywall installation. Instead of relying on a human crew, a drywall robot can be programmed to take on more complex tasks.
Moreover, automated technology has been proven to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Electric construction heavy machinery can cut emissions by 52 tons.
Robotics can also assist in constructing renewable energy facilities. Intelligent City in Vancouver, Canada, is an example of a company that uses robotics to build prefabricated modular homes. Its automated system enables the company to produce 15% more efficient homes.
Employers can use VR to demonstrate what it's like to work for them
Virtual reality (VR) technology allows employers to simulate a real life situation and see what it's like to work for them. Many organizations are using VR to train employees.
Virtual Reality offers employers an affordable alternative to traditional classroom training. It also provides a means of learning soft skills in a fast and cost-effective way.
For instance, H&R Block, a global tax preparation firm, uses VR simulations in its onboarding process. New hires are put into a virtual environment where they must deal with difficult customer conversations and other situations.
A number of companies are using VR as an alternative to classroom training, including Verizon, which uses VR technology to train retail workers on how to survive armed robberies. They claim the VR version of the scenario is as close to the real thing as possible.
Another use of VR is for firefighters, who learn how to safely deal with dangerous situations. The virtual environment of a firehouse can give the trainees an opportunity to see and interact with a high-risk environment, and thereby improve their overall skill set.
Other uses of VR include simulations that teach mechanics how to repair airplanes. These simulations can also be used to train oil rig workers on how to deal with gas leaks.
In addition to the use of VR for onboarding, many organizations are experimenting with it for employee training. A study conducted by the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford showed that v-learners complete training three times faster than classroom learners.
While VR is a valuable tool, employers should be cautious about allowing their employees to spend too much time in the virtual world. This could lead to digital overload and burnout.
Unemployment rate in all occupations in 2012 is higher than before the recession
The unemployment rate has decreased since the COVID-19 recession started, and it is now near pre-recession levels. However, the broader economy has not yet fully recovered from the Great Recession.
In fact, unemployment rates among different demographic groups have varied considerably. For instance, blacks have had the highest Illinois unemployment rate for the past ten years, while whites have been in third place.
There are several reasons for the disparity. First, most of the job losses came from lower-wage occupations, such as retail salespersons. This suggests that the economic downturn was not primarily a supply-side problem, but a demand-side one.
Second, the labor force is aging. Young adults experienced greater job losses, and women saw the largest reduction in their share of the workforce. Also, many low-wage occupations, such as hotel and restaurant workers, have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Third, there is a mismatch between the actual level of employment and the official unemployment rate. The latter does not take into account the increasing number of part-time and temporary jobs.
Fourth, the unemployment-to-population ratio is much smaller than it used to be. And, although there are still more people working than there are unemployed, the gap has closed. It also helps to remember that some of the largest job losses were the result of the recession, such as those in the leisure and hospitality sector.
Despite the decline in the unemployment rate, overall jobs took longer to recover than they did during previous downturns. Moreover, the Fed has begun hiking interest rates aggressively.
The recession lasted a good seven years, whereas the recovery has taken nearly a decade. Meanwhile, the labor force is aging and the education level of the American workforce is at a record low.
Green career pathways have the highest growth potential in the industry
In the green industry, the focus is on conserving natural resources, recycling, and reducing waste. This requires critical thinking and a strong positive attitude. Having a career in the green sector can be a rewarding experience.
For instance, you can work for a nonprofit organization or for a government regulatory agency. These organizations offer opportunities to promote environmentally friendly legislative change. You can also help to develop new green products that could have a long-term impact on the planet.
Other jobs include urban designers, who create parks and landscapes. They also design transportation systems. Architects and engineers specialize in sustainable materials and practices. Depending on the industry, you may need a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree.
There are several entry-level positions in the green industry that require only an associate's degree. However, a college internship can be a great way to gain experience.
The non-profit Student Conservation Association offers a variety of internships. Some of these last just a few months, but there are also 12-week internships.
Another organization, the American Council on Renewable Energy, promotes clean renewable energy. Their 12-week internships are available in field engineering, cost engineering, safety engineering, and electrical engineering.
Green building careers are in high demand. These careers focus on preserving the environment by creating regenerative landscapes. Such landscapes can protect local habitats and sequester carbon. Sustainable construction can include minimizing electricity usage, conserving water, and incorporating new building techniques.
There are many other careers in the green industry, including environmental business specialist, machine operator, cartographer, and photogrammetrist. Most positions will require at least a bachelor's degree, while some require specialized certifications or post-doctoral specialized training.
