How to improve productivity on a construction site

Benjamin Rothwell, Business Development Manager at Bunkabin, discusses ways to improve construction productivity on site.  

Productivity is one of the main points of discussion on construction sites; many projects would benefit from staff working more efficiently. 

When we think about productivity, we often concentrate on how hard a person is working and how motivated they are to do a good job. However, improving productivity is not just about employees working harder: it is about improving managerial practices, offering incentives to maximise performance, and providing better equipment and conditions onsite, including those that allow workers to rest and recuperate properly. 

Rest and recovery on site

Construction is a particularly challenging and tiring industry. Workers, therefore, need to feel refreshed in order to face the day and put in a full day’s work. 

Employees need space where they can refuel. Portable on site sleeping accommodation can allow workers to get a good night’s sleep. It means they do not need to travel into work, significantly reducing the danger of them turning up late; on site accommodation allows them to sleep in for longer than they otherwise might.   

A sociable area on site – such as a diner or cafeteria – that enables them to properly rest and eat during breaks is also beneficial.

If workers have a suitable area in which to socialise, they are less likely to chat and fool around when they should be working. A sociable area on site would provide the perfect space to let off some steam. 

Improving productivity

A team may be more inclined to work a little harder if meeting a certain deadline means they end up with a nice bonus in their next pay packet, or if there is the prospect of an improved salary. Management should also focus on ensuring materials provision is properly planned – after all, how are workers supposed to complete a job if they haven’t got the right materials to do so? 

This is also true of equipment. In order to get the best results, a construction company must ensure that it invests in appropriate, safe tools that allow staff to get a job done efficiently, and to the highest possible standard.

Indeed, if a job is performed poorly and needs to be revisited, this is going to impact timescales for the whole project. With the right tools, staff have the best chance of getting the work done correctly first time round. 

Improving productivity is something that can be approached in many different ways.

By offering workers incentives, improving managerial practices and management of materials, investing in the best equipment or providing decent on site welfare and adequate space for workers to truly relax, construction firms can ensure that their staff have every opportunity to work as hard and as efficiently as possible.