How to Manage an Increased Workload This Summer

The economy has the power to cause your business to fluctuate. Even though winters can seem never-ending, summers can sneak up on you. As an owner of a construction business, you know that summer is usually the busiest time of the year. Increased business traffic may sound like a good problem to have, but it could actually damage your business if you enter the season unprepared. Fortunately, we have a few tips to 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 the people who you have an established connection with and have proven themselves. 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! Take time every morning to outline a set of daily goals for each jobsite. At the end of the day, discuss progress and any obstacles encountered. Be sure employees can reach you with questions or problems. An open line of communication can go a long way in getting work done correctly and on time, which will allow you to move on to your next project.

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

• Consider seasonal help. College students are often home for the summer. They are usually able to perform the work and are 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 work with most often.

• Build a good relationship with your suppliers. A solid partnership 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, remember 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.