Things That Kill Construction Site Productivity

Every contractor knows that productivity is the key to success.

Consistently achieving high levels of productivity is the challenge.

Below are some of the top productivity killers on construction sites.  In this post, you’ll learn some of the best ways to handle these productivity issues and get your project back on track!

Lack of Communication – Communication is very important to construction site productivity.

Without good communication, success will be difficult.  With so many moving pieces on a job site, you want to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

Communication experts at Bacal & Associates suggest the following tips:

• Make sure people understand your directions: Ask them if they have any questions and if they understand the directions.

• Listen to your employees: It’s not just about barking orders … communication is a two-way street.

• Create an open environment: Employees should feel comfortable coming to you with any work-related problems or issues.

Following these tips will improve communication on your job site.  Remember, it’s very important to listen.  This will help during those times where you have to make quick decisions.

Long Meetings – Construction site meetings that run over schedule can significantly hurt your productivity levels as well as your bottom line.  Try to keep meetings short and to the point.  To do this, consider:

• Creating an agenda
• Inviting only relevant parties/stakeholders
• Picking an optimal time for everyone
• Having someone watch the time during the meeting

Following these steps will help you get the most out your next construction site meeting.  Also make sure everyone is on time and ready to go at the scheduled time.

This will ensure that your construction site meeting is a productive as possible.

Disorganized Job Sites – A disorganized job site can kill your productivity levels.  Job sites need to be kept clean and orderly.  Make sure:

• Trash is regularly removed from your site
• All work areas are kept clean and orderly
• Construction trailer is organized

Organization is key to getting things done on time, and it all starts with an organized job site.  Create a checklist for your crew to make sure that things remain clean and organized on site.  Make sure that everyone has a responsibility in the organization process.

Extended Overtime – Some construction experts believe you should cut extended overtime.  Bob Volkman of the blog, 101 Ways to Improve Construction Site Productivity says that extended overtime:

• Causes worker fatigue: Workers are working harder, so they get tired faster

• Outpaces support services: More work means more demand for building materials, engineering support, etc.

• Increases likelihood of accidents and injuries: Long hours cause more accidents 

• Results in more absenteeism and turnover: Workers need rest so they start taking days off

Extended overtime is not always the best solution for your job site.  Try to consider some creative ways to get jobs done before you extend overtime.

Make it a policy of having no extended overtime.

Building Material Delays – If you don’t have the building materials delivered at the right time, your crew is going to be doing a lot of standing around and waiting.

Make sure that you are organized.  This means scheduling building material deliveries at the right times and on the right days.  This also means keeping building materials organized on site, so it’s easy to keep track of them.

Organization is key to keeping track of building materials.

For an extra increase in productivity, consider assembling complex building materials offsite.  This will allow you to work in a controlled environment where you’ll be able to focus without distractions.

Unrealistic Goals & No Measurement – You’ll want to be sure to set realistic goals and expectations.

Unrealistic goals can drive your crew insane.  This will ultimately decrease their productivity levels.  Set realistic goals and expectations every single day.  If you do this, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in productivity.

Finally, you’ll want to measure your levels of progress every day.  Some contractors fail to do this on a regular basis.  How do you know your productivity level if you don’t measure it?

We’re Here To Help You!

Following these tips will significantly improve productivity on your next job.

If you’re looking for a fire and security contractor to get things done on time and on budget, contact Hue & Cry Security Systems.

We’re an experienced contractor that knows our way around a construction site.  We know how to work with contractors!

Give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit our Contractor Programs Page for more information.