Communication is one of the main factors that contribute to the quality of work in the construction industry. Without it, it is impossible to stay up to date with the ongoing site work. In fact, getting everyone on board with project updates is difficult without a proper means of communication. In most cases, not only will the project suffer, but the employees’ safety will be put at risk as well.

In other words, it is important to work on the efficiency and quality of construction site communication. To that end, we will highlight and address the benefits of different peer-to-peer communication aspects. They are sure to increase the productivity levels of your crew members. And on that note, let us begin.

Making the Most of Technology

Technological advancements have opened new pathways to practical solutions in various industries. After all, it is both time- and cost-efficient to have necessary information at immediate disposal and updated in real-time.

This being the case, the construction industry is no exception. Different software tools and live feeds will ensure that nothing is lost on your employees. And multipurpose tech gear, such as high noise communication headsets or rugged tablets, is also highly useful.

Technology on the construction site actively promotes fast communication. It can help you make sound business decisions and allow you to view them from different angles. And your team members will be able to voice their opinions and pitch their suggestions on the spot. In the long run, all parties involved will have a better understanding of the projects’ goals. What’s more, all this promotes equality in the workplace.

Promoting Employee Training and Education

Advising your employees to practice active communication on the construction site is admirable. However, depending on the location and the stage that the project is in, it is not always possible. For example, in addition to introducing high noise communication headsets it is also important to encourage your workers to increase their existing knowledge. Offering to train them in relevant fields will boost their confidence. It will also ensure that they make fewer mistakes. What’s more, investing in training will improve your standing as an employer as well. As a result, you will increase construction site communication while also promoting your employees’ educational needs.

Holding Regular Meetings

If you want to improve on-site communication, you should schedule regular meetings with your employees. While technology is an excellent choice for communicating on the go, in-person meetings are crucial. Software, tablets, and high noise communication headsets are all great tools that need to be implemented along with in person meetings that convey your or your workers’ sentiments. In the end, delicate matters need to be tackled head-on.

Meetings, whether formal or informal, will allow everyone on the team to get a better grasp of the project. Discussing the upcoming stages and going through the reports will bear more fruit when addressed directly.

In addition, regular meetings will ensure that you get a better look at the workers’ interpersonal relationships. After all, improving construction site communication can also prevent altercations before they arise.

Improving the Administration

Administration and communication go hand-in-hand and work both ways. That is to say, knowing what to do and whom to turn to for advice is important in the construction industry. For this reason, transparent communication between the construction workers and the site’s managers should be encouraged.

Active collaboration between departments will create a friendly environment that will boost your team’s productivity. And with everyone communicating with precision, your administration will become stronger as well.

Introducing Risk Management

You may have a vague idea of how aware your employees are of safety procedures. However, it is dangerous to assume that you do not need to let them know what to do during an emergency. To that end, it is imperative to introduce, communicate, and emphasize the many facets of risk management to your team.

Yes — multi-practical protective gear such as dust masks, eyewear, high noise communication headsets, gloves, and many others will help protect the crew. These tools in addition to clearly communicated safety processes and procedures will set up employees for success.

Therefore, updating your strategies regularly and operating with a positive attitude will set a good example. It will let the workers know that their well-being, skills, and contribution are appreciated.

Getting to Know Your Employees

Individual communication is just as important as group communication. Take the time to get to know your employees by communicating with them one-on-one. By doing so, you will understand their experiences and see things from their point of view.

In fact, individual communication will help you gain a new perspective. A fresh take on your project could be just what you need to improve the work environment and prevent any shortcomings. In other words, an individual approach will pave the path to clearer communication overall. That will yield better results in practice.

Staying Open-Minded is the Answer

Ultimately, your biggest asset in improving construction site communication is an open mind. The ability to consider other people’s perspectives and practice empathy will see that your project succeeds. What’s more, staying open-minded will allow room for improvement in other areas of construction-related management, as well.

In the long run, we are all human and we all make mistakes. If one solution falls short, do not be afraid to try a different one. Keep on introducing tech-powered gadgets, such as watches, high noise communication headsets, tablets, or cameras. Also, know that different hands-on methods will foster communication between you and your crew members. And before you know it — on-site communication will have improved exponentially.

Author: Rick Farrell, President, Plant-Tours.com

Rick is North America’s foremost expert in improving manufacturing group communication, education, training and group hospitality processes. He has over 40 years of group hospitality experience, most recently serving as President of Plant-Tours.com for the last 18 years. He has provided consulting services with the majority of Fortune 500 industrial corporations improving group communication dynamics of all types in manufacturing environments.