Winning Over the Workforce: Building Respect into Construction Culture
In this blog, I’m diving into the culture portion of Elevating Pre-Construction Planning, starting with a component that can make or break your project winning over the workforce.
Culture isn’t just a feel-good concept. It’s the framework of shared beliefs, behaviors, rituals, and values that shapes how your team works together. And at the heart of a great culture is respect, respect for people and respect for resources.
If you think worker morale is just “nice to have,” think again. When crews feel disrespected, engagement plummets, quality suffers, and safety risks increase. But when workers feel valued and supported, they will give you their best work, day after day.
How to Win Over the Workforce
1. Open Communication
Create daily worker huddles where everyone gathers before the day begins. Use this time to align on the plan, give shout-outs, hear feedback, and build relationships. When workers feel heard, they feel invested.
2. Meeting Needs
From parking to hydration stations, from clear signage to climate-controlled break areas—remove obstacles so crews can focus on their craft, not on surviving the day.
3. Connection
Go beyond the shared goal of project completion. Shake hands, listen to stories, share meals, host BBQs. A connected crew is a committed crew.
4. Scheduling with Respect
Plan work so crews aren’t forced to “make up time” for poor planning. Protect their downtime and never burn them out to cover mistakes.
5. Enjoyment
Make the site a place people want to be. Host contests, decorate for the seasons, and bring moments of joy to the workday.
6. Investing in Facilities
Bathrooms and lunch areas are your most visible indicators of respect. Invest in clean, well-stocked, comfortable facilities, whether they’re upgraded porta-potties, existing restrooms, or custom-built site bathrooms.
Why It Matters
When you win over the workforce, you earn their trust, pride, and commitment. Without it, you risk disengagement, poor craftsmanship, and a fractured team. The proof is in the culture you build and it starts with simple acts of respect.
Key Takeaway
A respected crew is a productive crew. Every handshake, every clean restroom, every morning huddle sends a message: You matter here. Win the workforce, and you win the project.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
