The Secret to Attracting More High-Level Talent

When it comes to attracting high-level talent, there is one thing that many construction companies overlook. Highlighting employee benefits.

In fact, a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 60% of job seekers consider benefits and company perks a major factor in deciding whether to accept a job offer. By including a comprehensive list of benefits in your job ads, you not only attract more candidates but also set clear expectations from the beginning. This can help ensure that the candidates who apply are genuinely interested in the position and the company, and are not simply looking for a job with the highest pay offering. When you clearly outline your company benefits you show job-seekers that they are more than another timecard. You should them that your company truly values their well-being and is invested in their long-term success with the company.

Here are some of the most sought-after employee benefits in the construction industry that you should make front and center the next time you post a job ad. If you’re not offering benefits yet, these are the ones you should consider.

Top Employee Benefits For Construction Workers

When it comes to attracting high-level talent, offering the right employee benefits is key. If you were to search the internet for what the top employee benefits of 2023 are, you’d find “remote work” and “flexible working hours” claiming the #1 and #2 spots. But both of those are impossible for you in the construction industry. You already know that simply saying “competitive wages” and “benefits available” are not going to cut it if you want to attract the best Millennial and Gen Z workers. You’ll need to sweeten the pot with some career growth opportunities, wellness programs, and more.

Your specific labor market is in the midst of shifting from predominantly aging employees to a new generation of laborers. This is something important to consider as you look at which employee benefits you offer and which ones you want your recruiter to highlight when they’re matching you with potential candidates. Here are the most valued benefits that are relevant to the construction industry.

Paid holidays

Giving your employees time off to spend with their families and friends does a lot to help boost morale and job satisfaction. It also helps attract new employees who are looking for a better work-life balance. Most companies take holidays off, but only a few of them offer paid time off for major holidays. This is a huge benefit that will help companies like yours stand out from the competition.

Subsidized or free transportation to and from work or job sites

Transportation benefits are a game changer for construction companies that are struggling with a low census of workers. Many employees do not have reliable transportation—this is especially true for those in densely populated or rural areas. Offering subsidized or free transportation helps employees save money and reduce stress, which directly influences their job satisfaction and productivity.

Daily per diem to offset food or commuting costs

Construction workers are often on the go or working in areas that make it difficult to access affordable food options. Providing a daily per diem for food costs is one way to help employees save money and ensure they have access to enough nutritious food while on the job. Having enough high-quality food available to employees is linked to better productivity, especially for employees who have physically demanding jobs.

Short-term disability and work accident compensations

Construction work is physically demanding and even with the best safety precautions, accidents do happen. Offering short-term disability and work accident compensations will provide employees with the peace of mind and financial security they will need in case of a work-related injury.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a highly sought-after benefit for employees in any industry. In fact, it is one of the top benefits that most employees look for when searching for a job. Providing access to affordable health insurance helps attract and retain top talent in the construction industry, especially when partnered with wellness incentives (as we discuss below).

Retirement Benefits

Offering retirement benefits such as 401(k) plans or pension plans helps employees plan for their future and provide financial security in their later years. This benefit is especially attractive to workers over the age of 30 who are now realizing that they need to plan and prepare for retirement.

Paid time off (PTO)

Providing paid time off is a huge component of helping employees recharge and avoid burnout. Companies with more PTO usually also have a stronger employee roster and higher overall morale. A healthy work-life balance is something that Millennials and Gen Z value very deeply (we go over this in another recent article), and providing a decent amount of PTO is one way to help your employees achieve that balance—and a great way for you to attract and retain hard-working employees.

Wellness Incentives

Offering wellness incentives such as gym memberships, or healthy living programs help employees stay healthy and reduce healthcare costs. This benefit has two-fold benefits for both employees and you as a company. Not only do wellness incentives help your employees get healthier/fitter/stronger and stay that way—but they also reduce employer-paid health insurance expenses. Employees who are incentivized to make healthier lifestyle choices through things like tobacco cessation programs, alcohol support, yearly physicals, and weight loss assistance are significantly more active and agile on the job site.

Education and career growth opportunities

Providing education and career growth opportunities is one of the best ways to help your employees develop new skills and advance in their careers. This benefit is especially attractive to younger workers who are looking for the most opportunities to learn and grow in this industry. Providing ways to help your employees advance their careers ensures that they stay with you for a very long time.

Employee savings account

Offering an employee savings account is a way to help your employees save for emergencies or unexpected expenses—this is a valuable benefit that will help them achieve greater financial security. This is a newer benefit in the construction sector, however, it is also becoming a popular one.

Salary Growth Transparency

Providing salary growth transparency for your candidates helps them understand how their salaries will grow over time. Although this isn’t a traditional benefit, it is growing by popular demand and an incredible way for you to attract high-quality workers who want a long-term career. We go more in-depth about salary transparency in another recent article.

Putting your best benefits forward

The success of your company relies on creating a team that consists of top-notch builders who specialize in high-end construction. This takes not only makes yourself stand out better among your company peers but also takes retaining your high-level employees for years to come. Offering opportunities for career growth among other desirable benefits is a bullet-proof strategy for succeeding in this. Benefits like the ones we listed above also create a positive reputation for your organization—both within and outside of your industry.

We help high-end construction companies in the New York City area attract and retain top-quality workers with expert recruiting strategies. If you’re ready to see what we can do for you, reach out to us through our online contact form or by calling (212) 634-9353.