How to Manage an Increased Workload This Summer

For many of you, the improving economy has increased your workload and number of employees. And even though it may seem like winter will never end, summer is fast approaching. As an owner of a construction business, you know that summer is usually the busiest time of the year. This may sound like a good problem to have, but it could hurt your business if you’re not prepared. Fortunately, we have a few tips that can help you manage your increased workload.

• Surround yourself with talented people. A wise man once said you are only as good as the sum of your employees. You cannot be everywhere at once, so you need employees who understand and share your commitment to excellence. They need to be able to carry out your vision with minimal supervision. It is important to take the time to hire the right individuals and invest in them with training. Good pay, benefits, and perks on the job go a long way in retaining good workers. When utilizing subcontractors, use proven ones that you have an established relationship with. Avoid the temptation of going with the low bids—they tend to cost more in the long run.

• Communicate. Once you have the right workers in place, you have to communicate with them. They cannot fulfill your expectations without knowing them! Outline your daily goals every morning for each jobsite. At the end of the day, discuss your progress and any obstacles that arose. Be sure your employees can reach you with questions or problems. An open line of communication can go a long way in getting the work done correctly and on time, so you can move on to your next project.

• Empower your workers. The size of your business and the trust in your employees will dictate how much you can empower your employees and subs. Each jobsite should have a trusted foreman with a shared understanding of what falls under their authority. As their experience and your trust grow over the years, so should their responsibility. This will not only take some pressure off of you, but it will give them greater job satisfaction.

• Consider seasonal help. College students are often home for the summer. They are usually able to perform the work and eager to please. Just as you would with non-seasonal help, take the time to find good, reliable workers. If possible, involve your foremen since that is who they will be working with most often.

• Build a good relationship with your suppliers. A solid relationship will benefit both parties. Suppliers cherish a dedicated customer and will go the extra mile to keep their regular customers happy and give them priority over others.

In short, realize that you are not superhuman. As your business and workload grows, your ability to oversee everything diminishes. Surround yourself with quality people— employees, subs, suppliers—and communicate with them effectively and often. Don’t be afraid to delegate authority and responsibility to trusted workers.