Getting Started in Construction

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As students across the country return to school, you may have someone in your life considering going into the construction industry. Construction is a dynamic and rewarding field that offers diverse opportunities, and a long, steady, and rewarding career. 

However, with so many directions to go it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to get you started in the industry, regardless of your background or experience level.

Explore the Fields

There are lots of different jobs in the construction industry, so you’ll need to take some time to research. Understanding the various sectors (like residential, commercial, civil, and industrial construction) and reflecting on your interests and skills will help you determine which area aligns best with your goals and abilities. 

Get Educated

Depending on your chosen career path, you may need formal education or training. Here are a few options:

  • Trade Schools: Consider enrolling in a trade school to learn specific skills like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or masonry. Google “trade schools near me” and you’ll see what options you have. 
  • Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships offer hands-on training and often lead to well-paying jobs. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced professionals while earning a salary. Ask around with local construction companies to see what they offer. 
  • College Degrees: If you’re interested in construction management, engineering, or architecture, you can pursue a relevant degree program at a college or university. Since this can be expensive, research what kind of scholarships or assistance may be available. Your school website or scholarships.com are great places to start.
  • Certifications: Many positions, such as crane operators or safety managers, require certification rather than a full degree. Investigate the certifications needed for your chosen career path and plan accordingly.

Start Networking

It’s not what you know, but who you know! Building a strong network, attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with experienced individuals are all great ways to find job opportunities and valuable mentorship.

Gain Experience

Start by gaining hands-on experience. Starting as a laborer on construction sites will provide you with practical knowledge and a chance to learn from experienced workers.

Practice Safety First

Safety is paramount in construction. Familiarize yourself with safety regulations and procedures, and consider taking courses in construction safety to enhance your qualifications. This will let employers know that you take your future seriously. 

Create a Resume

Craft a compelling resume that highlights your relevant skills and experience. When you apply for jobs or apprenticeships, prepare for interviews by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.

Start Job Searching

Remember when we talked about networking? When you’re ready to start working, the best place to start is by asking for referrals from your network of mentors and contacts. If that doesn’t work, look for jobs on construction job boards, company websites, and local trade unions.

Get the Right Tools

Depending on your role, you may need to invest in your own tools and equipment. Start with the basics and gradually expand your toolkit as you gain experience.

Never Stop Learning

As you progress in your career, consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees. This can open up higher-paying positions and leadership roles down the line. Talk to your managers, too; companies will often pay for additional training!

Be Dedicated

Regardless of what sector you choose, a strong work ethic and the ability to work well in a team are the most important traits you can bring to any project. Construction projects are often collaborative efforts, and your attitude and professionalism will be noticed and appreciated. Being comfortable in different climates, going up and down ladders, and working long hours will help you excel in construction. 

The construction industry offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals with varying backgrounds and interests. Whether you’re swinging a hammer or managing a project, you’re helping to build the future, one brick at a time. 

Hard Hats vs. Helmets

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Heads up!

You know that at Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, we love to be on the cutting edge of any technology that makes projects safer, more efficient, or more sustainable. That’s why we took notice when we saw a shift: construction workers are increasingly swapping their traditional hard hats for helmets.

While there’s nothing more iconic than the yellow hard hat, we are also interested to see how helmets bring enhanced safety standards, improved comfort, and innovative features to address the evolving needs of the industry.

Enhanced Protection and Safety

Hard hats have long been the symbol of construction sites, but helmets offer an elevated level of protection. Modern construction helmets are designed to meet stringent safety regulations, providing impact resistance and better shielding against falling objects, debris, and other hazards. With reinforced shells and advanced materials such as high-density polyethylene, helmets have higher structural integrity, reducing the risk of head injuries in potentially dangerous situations.

Integration of Advanced Technologies

One significant reason for the transition from hard hats to helmets is their use of cutting-edge technologies. Helmets now come equipped with a range of features to improve both safety and efficiency on construction sites, like integrated sensors that can detect potential falls or impacts, alerting workers and supervisors in real time. This technology helps prevent accidents and allows for immediate response in case of an emergency, further minimizing risks and enhancing worker protection.

Customization and Adaptability

Another advantage of helmets is their customizable nature, allowing workers to personalize their headgear according to their specific requirements. Adjustable straps, suspension systems, and interior padding provide a more comfortable and secure fit, reducing strain during long work hours. Helmets can also accommodate additional attachments such as face shields, earmuffs, or communication devices, facilitating seamless integration of various accessories in a wide range of working conditions.

Improved Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort is a vital factor in any industry, and construction is no exception. Hard hats, although functional, can be heavy and cumbersome, leading to neck pain, headaches and fatigue. In contrast, helmets are designed with ergonomics in mind, focusing on weight distribution and ventilation systems to provide enhanced comfort. The lighter weight and improved airflow of helmets make them more wearable for extended periods, ensuring workers are both safer and happier.

Changing Industry Standards and Regulations

As safety regulations and industry standards evolve, so does the gear worn by construction workers. OSHA and other regulatory bodies are increasingly acknowledging the benefits of helmets in terms of safety and ergonomics, and some jurisdictions have already made helmets mandatory for specific job roles. While both hard hats and helmets are OSHA-approved, that might not always be the case.

Thanks to the advanced protection offered by helmets, we’re seeing the industry transition away from traditional hard hats. Their adaptability, customization, and technology makes them an ideal choice for keeping workers more comfortable, efficient, and safe. As helmet technology continues to improve, you can be sure Steadfast Entities, LLC, will be working to provide you with the most up-to-date gear and equipment to keep your staff safe and comfortable while on the job!

The 6 Steps to Dealing with Unhappy Customers

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If you’ve been in construction for any length of time, you’ve probably come across a difficult customer or two. Whether they’re hard to get in touch with, don’t ever seem satisfied with your work, or want to negotiate payment after you’ve completed the job, it’s important to maintain a good relationship and keep up your company’s reputation. 

The good news? We have several effective strategies to help you handle unhappy customers and turn their negative experiences into positive reviews.

1. Actively Listen and Empathize

When a customer expresses dissatisfaction, it is important to let them voice their concerns. While it might be tempting to roll your eyes or get defensive, do your best to actively listen to their complaints without interruption. Make sure you show genuine empathy for their frustrations, and let them know their feedback is valuable.

2. Respond Promptly

Timeliness is key when addressing customer concerns. Respond promptly to their complaints, preferably within 24-48 hours. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing the issue and prevents the situation from escalating further. If you need more time to investigate the matter thoroughly, keep the customer informed about the progress.

3. Investigate the Problem

To address the issue effectively, you’re going to need to understand its root cause. Gather all relevant information from the customer, project documents, and interview any team members who were involved. See if you can find any mistakes, miscommunications, or areas for improvement. This step will enable you to propose solutions, and can help you prevent similar issues in the future. Even if you’re not ultimately at fault, doing your due diligence shows the customer that you care and may help improve operations as you grow.

4. Offer Solutions

Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, propose appropriate solutions to the customer. Depending on the situation, this could involve rectifying the issue at no extra cost, providing a discount or refund, revisiting the project with enhanced supervision, or even offering additional services. Tailor your solution to meet the specific needs of the customer and aim for a mutually beneficial outcome.

5. Maintain Transparent Communication

Communication is key! Keep the customer updated on the progress, explain the steps being taken to rectify the situation, and provide realistic timelines for completion. Transparency builds trust and reassures the customer that their concerns are being addressed seriously.

6. Learn and Improve

It may sound cliche, but every unhappy customer is an opportunity to improve your business. Analyze the root causes of the issue and implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future. This may include enhancing internal communication processes, improving project management, conducting more employee training, or revising quality control protocols. By continually learning from your mistakes, you can enhance customer satisfaction and prevent future complaints.

Unhappy customers are an inevitable part of any business, but you can turn these situations into opportunities for growth. That’s why Steadfast Entities prides itself on great customer service! Whether you’re looking to rent reliable, modern equipment, hire knowledgeable staff, or purchase top-of-the-line equipment, we have exactly what you need, when you need it. 

Getting into Construction: Books, Movies, & TV

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Children often idolize construction workers, but as they get older that appreciation sometimes fades. All too often, those in our fields feel the bias against blue collar work. 

Maryland contractor and CEO of Delmarva Veteran Builders, Chris Eccleston, wanted to change that. He teamed up with graphic designer Jenny Kerr Schroen to create Grit Leads to Greatness, a children’s adventure book about two siblings living in a city that has forgotten how to build. Together, they work to find a mason, a carpenter, a plumber and an electrician who help them rebuild their home. The book captures the imaginations of kids and adults alike, reminding them how exciting and important construction is to our world. 

We love seeing young people (and adults!) encouraged to look into the trades, so this blog post highlights the many books, movies, and TV shows that spotlight construction or construction workers. Check them out!

Books

  1. “The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate” by Jon Gordon: This book tells the inspiring true story of George Boiardi, a construction worker and college lacrosse player who embodied the qualities of a great teammate. It offers practical advice on how to build a strong team, both on and off the construction site.
  2. “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach: While not specifically about construction workers, this novel tells the story of a college baseball team and the construction workers who built their stadium. It explores themes of teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
  3. “The Soul of a New Machine” by Tracy Kidder: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of a group of engineers and construction workers who built a new computer in the late 1970s. It offers a fascinating look at the creative process and the challenges of building something new.

Movies

  1. The Big Short: This movie tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the housing market before the 2008 financial crisis. It features several scenes of construction workers building new homes and developments, and offers a sobering look at the consequences of reckless speculation.
  2. Joe Dirt: A comedy that follows the misadventures of a janitor who dreams of becoming a construction worker. It’s a lighthearted and fun movie that features several scenes of construction workers on the job.
  3. Iron Man: This superhero movie features several scenes of construction workers building Tony Stark’s state-of-the-art laboratory and other high-tech facilities. It’s a fun and action-packed movie that shows the importance of construction workers in building the infrastructure of the future.

TV Shows

  1. Undercover Boss: This reality show follows CEOs as they go undercover and work alongside their employees. Several episodes have featured construction companies and their workers, offering an inside look at the challenges and rewards of the job.
  2. Dirty Jobs: This popular show features host Mike Rowe as he travels the country and works alongside people in a variety of dirty, difficult, and often dangerous jobs. Several episodes focus on construction workers and the many difficulties they face.
  3. Building Alaska: This show follows a group of construction workers as they build homes and other structures in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. It offers a fascinating look at the challenges of building in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

We hope you get a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy something from the list above. You’re never too old to get excited about construction!

Spring Cleaning for Construction Businesses

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Spring is in the air! 

For many, that means spending a long weekend with the windows open, cleaning the house, and starting those projects we’ve put off all winter. Construction picks up in the spring and summer, so it’s also a great time to clean up your business and get ready for the busy season ahead. 

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Clean Up Your Office

Did you know clutter can increase procrastination? Keep motivated by cleaning up your office space. File all your paperwork, complete any half-finished office projects, and get your space organized. If you haven’t already, go paperless. Invest in an organizational system, keep things for immediate use nearby, and put everything else away. It may seem small, but this will do wonders for your overall well being while sending the message to customers that you are organized and ready to take on their project. 

Go Over Your Books

It’s April, so you’ve probably been reviewing your books for tax purposes. Since you’re there, now’s a great time to audit your business and see how things are going. Look at last year’s budget. Did you stay on track? Can you expand? Review your vendors: could you be getting materials cheaper from someone else? Are you paying for any services you don’t use? Can you refinance or pay off any loans? This is also a great time to look at your workflow and see if there are opportunities to make it more efficient. 

Inspect Your Equipment

Is all of your equipment in working order? This is a great time to do maintenance on your equipment to ensure it’s in top shape before you begin the busiest time of year. This is also a chance to research new equipment, technology and tools to keep your team safe and productive for years to come. Exploring equipment rental with Steadfast Entities is one way you can use the most up-to-date, industry-proven tools and equipment for modern solutions and smart construction.

Practice Smart Marketing

The construction industry is competitive, and with increasing material prices and labor shortages, you’ll need to make sure you’re marketing yourself to both potential employees and new clients. Keep your pay and benefits competitive to attract top-tier talent. Review your marketing strategy and main sources of clients to see what’s working and what isn’t. Stay active on social media, explore more networking, and update your marketing materials (including your website) so that others know what to expect. Recommendation via word of mouth is still very common in this industry, so make sure your customers leave happy and can give their friends and associates exceptional reviews of your business. 

Give Back

Now more than ever, customers want to support businesses that are socially responsible and give back to their community. Whether you do repairs for a local shelter, organize a food drive, or sponsor a local team, you’ll be noticed for supporting the causes that make our communities great. Plus, giving back is a great way to build team morale, meaning you’ll have happier employees who will work better together.

We hope you are gearing up for a productive spring! And remember, if you need the highest quality equipment and best trained staff, you don’t have to look any further than Steadfast. We’re here to help you do smarter construction, when and where you need it.

The Future of Women in Construction

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As part of Women’s History Month, the construction industry celebrates Women in Construction Week from March 5th-11th. To celebrate, we wanted to highlight women who are making a difference in construction: who they are, what they bring to the industry, and how they are making the future brighter for everyone.

Who They Are

Women make up 14% of the construction industry and only about 3.4% of actual trade workers. Considering women make up 47% of the national workforce, this number is low, but it’s growing. 

Studies have shown that diversity increases employee engagement, improves productivity, and fosters innovation, so it’s no surprise that 59% of employers are actively working to bring a wider variety of people to their teams. This includes hiring more women, providing them with ongoing training and professional development opportunities, and promoting them into positions of leadership.

Bringing Growth to the Industry

Women are drawn to construction for many of the same reasons men are: a plethora of available jobs, great wages, and the ability to build a long, rewarding career. Yet there are even more reasons why a woman in particular would want to work in construction: For one, the pay gap in construction is small, with women earning 99.1% of what their male counterparts earn. This is substantially better than the national average of 81.1%. 

Beyond being a very physical job, construction requires intelligence and problem solving skills. Whether it’s making a bid for a job, creating a budget, drawing a blueprint, or solving a difficult puzzle on a job site, women inhabit the world differently and therefore can bring a different perspective to these tasks that often improve efficiency and save companies money.

Workers of the Future

Opportunities for women in construction continue to grow. As the industry looks for ways to recruit young workers, scholarships and training programs are becoming more widely available. For example, just this month the Department of Labor entered into a $20 million agreement with TradesFutures to create pathways for women and minorities into the industry through registered apprenticeship programs. TradesFutures, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit, plans to enroll 13,000 applicants into these programs, with over half of them being placed into registered apprenticeship programs across the country over the next four years. 

To make sure that women, veterans, people of color, Native Americans and other underrepresented groups are getting access to the program, TradesFutures will be partnering with the National Urban League and North America’s Building Trade Unions. The initial apprenticeship programs will be in Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri, but will expand to other states as programming becomes available. 

Want to be part of this great change? Check out our last Women in Construction blog post for tips to help you diversify your labor. 

At Steadfast, LLC, we believe that diversity is a strength, and it will only improve the future of construction! We hope to see more women and other underrepresented groups given equal pay, equal access to learning opportunities, and an equal chance to build a thriving career in construction. 

Super Bowl Construction Facts

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On Sunday, over 99 million viewers sat down with friends and family to eat tasty snacks and  watch Philadelphia take on Kansas City in the 57th Super Bowl. Whether you were rooting for the Eagles, the Chiefs, or Rihanna, it was hard not to be impressed by the incredible State Farm Stadium. 

In fact, it made the construction enthusiast in me wonder how much time, energy, and money goes into building these Super Bowl stadiums. Here’s what I found out about stadiums across the NFL:

Most Expensive: SoFi Stadium

Home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers, it took almost four years and $5.5 billion to build this stadium in Inglewood, CA. One of the most expensive parts of building this stadium was making it earthquake proof. The field is sunk down into the ground, keeping it from interrupting the flight patterns of nearby LAX and to protect it from seismic damage. It has 70,240 seats for average game days, but can expand to 100,240 for major events like the Super Bowl. 

Biggest: MetLife Stadium

This stadium, which opened in 2010, boasts 82,500 seats in East Rutherford, NJ. Home of both the New York Giants and the New York Jets, it cost $1.6 billion to construct and was built in a little under 3 years. Beyond being the largest stadium in the NFL, MetLife Stadium was voted the “Greenest Stadium” by the EPA. The stadium is built with environmentally friendly materials; uses compostable plates, cups, and utensils throughout its restaurants; and has multiple strategies for reducing air pollution and conserving water. 

Oldest: Soldier Field

Home of the Chicago Bears, this stadium originally opened in 1924. It is also the smallest NFL stadium, with seating for 61,500 people. The original structure cost $13 million and took over two years to construct. Soldier Field also holds the unusual record of having 24,000 seats removed in 36 hours in 2002, when renovations began the same night they lost the playoffs to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003, with tailgators still in the parking lot. The renovations were completed in 2003 for $632 million. 

Loudest: Arrowhead Stadium

One of the oldest on this list, Arrowhead Stadium broke ground in 1968, and was built in a little over four years for $43 million. Home of the Kansas City Chiefs, It has been renovated multiple times, with the most recent addition of retrofitted high definition video displays and digital ribbon board technology being added in 2010. In a game on September 29th, 2014, against the New England Patriots, the crowd hit 142.2 decibels, breaking the record for the loudest stadium. We’ll see if it happens again in a few years, as Arrowhead Stadium has been selected as one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Cheapest: Lambeau Field

Known as the ‘Frozen Tundra’, Lambeau Field was initially opened in 1957 after a year and $960,000 in construction costs. Home of the Green Bay Packers, it was the first stadium built specifically for an NFL franchise (previously, facilities were either shared with major league baseball teams or in other shared facilities). It underwent major renovations in 2003, which increased available seating to 81,441 seats. However, even with increased seating, Green Bay tickets are a hot commodity and the Packers have sold out every single game since 1960. 

No matter what team you root for, we hope you had the opportunity to spend the day watching the Super Bowl with your friends and family. And remember, whether you’re building a football stadium or renovating your backyard so you can play catch with the kids, Steadfast, LLC is here for all of your equipment rental and staffing needs. 

Happy Holiday Workers

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The holidays are a fun yet stressful time of year. The best way to keep your staff feeling happy and motivated? Show them some appreciation! While it’s important to recognize your staff for their hard work every day, we’ve come up with a short list of easy ways to make their holiday season a little bit brighter (and make you more popular than Grandma’s Christmas cookies).

Thank Them

This one might seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the stress of tight deadlines, weather delays, holiday time off, workers out sick, and other obstacles. Make sure you’re telling your staff that you’re grateful for their work and commitment, and let them know when they’ve done a good job. Whether you say it out loud, send an email, or send out holiday cards, ensure the gesture is personal and meaningful. This is important year-round, but especially important when dealing with the stress of the holiday season. 

Pay Them

Most people have additional financial needs during this time of year, so there is nothing like a holiday bonus to make the season a little bit brighter. If you can, budget a bonus for each of your staff members to take home a little bit extra. Make sure you’re doing it fairly with either the same amount for everyone or based on a percentage of their pay. This can be added directly to their paycheck, or handed out in the form of separate checks or gift cards. 

If an added bonus simply isn’t in your budget, another possible option is to let staff leave a few hours early or take a paid day off so they can spend some more worry-free time with their family. Plus, studies show that breaks like these tend to make workers more motivated and productive when they come back to work the next day.

Feed Them

Never underestimate the value of free food, whether it’s morning coffee, a jobsite lunch, or, if it’s in your budget, a special dinner out with their families. If providing a meal is something you do regularly throughout the year, try to step it up a notch during the holiday season. That doesn’t necessarily mean steak and lobster, but do pay attention to your crew’s preferences and try to provide something they’ll enjoy. 

The cost of groceries has gone up across the country, so another option is to provide grocery gift cards or holiday fare (like a turkey, a ham, or pies) to each crew member for them to take home and share with their loved ones. This allows them to bring your appreciation home with them, and keep some of their hard earned money in their pocket.

Treat Them to a Good Time

Regardless of the industry, “team building” makes most workers roll their eyes and start looking for the closest exit. However, team building doesn’t have to be boring ice breakers or full of pseudo-inspirational buzzwords. Take your team paintballing, on a brewery tour, to a sports event, to axe throwing, or to an escape room. The opportunities are endless! Activities like these are a pivotal way to foster team bonding and create positivity in your company culture. 

Let Them Unwind

Holiday parties can be a blast, and a great way for employees to relax and let loose together. They do take a lot of planning and money, though, so make sure you give yourself plenty of lead time to make it happen in a cost-effective way. 

Also consider your crew’s preferences. Will you invite significant others and children? Are there any specific dietary needs? What time of week or even month would make the most sense?

If you want the party atmosphere, but don’t have the time, energy, or budget for a big holiday party, a simpler option is to sponsor a happy hour or round of after-work drinks for your team. Just make sure it’s held somewhere that non-alcoholic options are available for those that don’t drink, and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Offering up Uber or Lyft credits ahead of time is a great way to make sure folks know they can enjoy themselves and still get home safe.

Science has shown that showing gratitude is a win for employees and companies alike, and there’s no better time to show your staff how much you care than the holiday season. And if you are looking for qualified staff and equipment operators to help finish your projects, look no further. Contact Steadfast today to find out how we can easily and quickly connect you to the right people to get your job done! 

6 Ways to Beat the Heat

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With temperatures reaching all time highs across the country, many construction teams are trying to keep their workers cool while still moving their projects forward. 

OSHA’s current guidance of rest, hydrate, and shade is only the start to keeping your team safe. Below are 6 simple tips for keeping them cool and protected during the summer months: 

1. Know the Signs of Heat Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses like heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can come on fast, so it’s important to know their signs. Common signs of heat illness include: 

  • Thirst and/or dehydration
  • Fatigue 
  • Excess sweating, or the inability to sweat normally
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nervous system dysfunction
  • Cramping or muscle spasms
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fast or shallow breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Mental confusion

Train your workers to keep a lookout for these signs in themselves and others, and empower them to take action when they notice something’s not right. Always keep a first aid kit and extra water at every job site. 

2. Have Hydration Stations

Hydration is key! Not drinking enough water when carrying out heavy manual labor is one of the quickest ways to dehydrate. 

Make sure your crew members are drinking water or other hydrating fluids like sports drinks, coconut water, or juices every 15-20 minutes, and avoid large amounts of coffee, sodas, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration. Encourage your team to bring their own beverage containers to fill with water, and have water bottles or a water station on site. 

3. Be the Best Dressed

Make sure your staff are outfitted in proper clothing for their working conditions. Light-colored, loose fitting, and lightweight garments will help keep workers from overheating. 

Moisture wicking clothing is a great option, as this material draws the sweat off the body, keeping you both cool and dry. Natural fibers like cotton will also absorb moisture and are breathable. If it’s in your budget, providing a few company T-shirts to each crew member is a great way to ensure they have the proper attire while showing them you appreciate them being part of your team. 

4. Wear Sunscreen

Similar to wearing the proper clothing, sunscreen will help your team prevent burns, which are painful and make it harder for the body to regulate temperature. Provide a sweat-proof, broad-spectrum sunscreen on your job sites and encourage your staff to reapply frequently.

5. Start Early and Pay Attention

Temperatures usually peak between 3 and 5pm, so if possible, shift your workday to avoid these hours. Also keep an eye on the heat index, which combines relative humidity with air temperature to find the apparent temperature (aka, what it actually feels like outside). You can download OSHA’s Health Safety Mobile App here and it will tell you the apparent temperature, the risk to workers, and suggested measures to protect your team.  

6. Stay Cool

If the air temperature is near or above body temperature (98.6° F), the blood circulated to the surface of your skin is unable to shed heat. 

The body will begin to sweat, but if the humidity is too high and the sweat is unable to evaporate, it can’t leave your body and cool it down. This can lead to overheating. 

To combat this and keep your internal temperature at a safe level, make sure your crews are taking frequent breaks in the shade or in an air conditioned building, trailer, or vehicle. If you can’t provide an air conditioned space, set up portable, circulating fans. Also provide cool water, both for hydration and for staff to wet rags, which they can place on pulse points like the neck, wrists, elbows, and tops of the feet and quickly bring down their internal body temperatures. Cooling vests and neck coolers are also great ways to keep cool and avoid heat related injuries. 

Worker safety should always be top priority, and knowing how to avoid heat-related illness is one of the best ways to keep them going strong. If you need more help over the summer or beyond, Steadfast Entities, LLC is here to help with all of your staffing needs. Contact us today!

Worker Retention

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The average person spends 90,000 hours at work, or approximately ⅓ of their lifetime, and most leaders want that time to be pleasant for our employees. 

While competitive wages and benefits are the first step in employee retention, with today’s labor shortages and changing society, it’s more important than ever to keep staff satisfied. Happier workers tend to take fewer sick days, make better teammates, and are more productive. Plus, finding, hiring, and training new employees takes valuable time and money, especially during busy seasons. 

While no employer can guarantee perfect weather, zero setbacks, and completely united crews all the time, there are several things leaders can do to make workers happier and, ultimately, keep them longer. 

1. Safety First

Safety of your employees should always be your top priority. It may be tempting to relax safety procedures and cut corners, but doing this subtly tells workers that you don’t care about their health and wellbeing. Make sure they have all of the protective equipment they need and they know how to use it. 

2. Maintain Equipment

Nothing decreases morale like having poorly-maintained equipment. Investing in quality, up-to-date tools, materials, and equipment will keep your staff safer and more comfortable, improve work speed, and give your employees the literal tools they need to take pride in their work. This also includes using new technology (drones, AI, and productivity management software, for example) that can help your team become more efficient and learn new things.

3. Cultivate the Culture

Whether you call it culture, feeling, or atmosphere, the general vibe around the workplace needs to remain positive. This doesn’t mean you have to be hyper upbeat or micro-manage; it just means making sure your values and mission are reflected in their work and attitude. Everyone, from general laborers up to the CEO, should feel respected and heard. Make sure your management is supportive, professional, and invested in creating a team atmosphere.. 

4. Be Flexible

For most employees, work isn’t their whole life. Ask staff what they want, truly listen to their responses, and promote a healthy work/life balance. This might look like working 4/10s instead of 5/8s (which has been shown to boost productivity, and gives staff an extra day to recharge), or providing more time off during the holidays for staff to spend with their families and friends. If you do have staff working nights, weekends, and/or holidays, compensate them well! 

5. Appreciate Your Crew

This one might be obvious, but a little bit of appreciation goes a long way to keeping staff. Get to know your staff, and find out what they like. Simple shout-outs, the occasional worksite meal, and holiday bonuses are fairly inexpensive ways to let your people know you appreciate them. Your workers should never feel like they’re just a number or disposable. Once they do, they’ll start thinking of their employer as replaceable, too. 

6. Provide a Path for Growth  

Careers keep people, dead-end jobs do not. Make sure your staff have a clear path for advancement. Develop in-house training programs and offer opportunities to learn new equipment and technologies. Whenever possible, promote internally and show existing staff that they can move into leadership positions if they stay with your company.

Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, prides itself on providing quality staffing and equipment to developers, project managers and general contractors across the country. We’re proud to employ expert operating engineers who are safe, productive, and efficient, and to offer modern, up-to-date equipment that uses industry leading technology. Let us help you complete your project today! Click here for staffing support or check out our equipment rentals here.