The Best-Kept Secret: Construction Can Be Fun!

The best-kept secret in construction is that it can actually be a lot of fun! In this blog, I’m going to share how you can create an enjoyable environment on your job sites. So, why isn’t construction fun sometimes, and what can we do to change that? Let’s dive into some actionable tips.

Creating a Fun Environment in Construction

When we build a construction project, we’re given a unique opportunity: we get to create our own office, environment, and team—all from scratch. That’s quite different from working in a corporate office where everything is already set. You have the chance to design a fun, productive atmosphere, which makes construction such an exciting field.

Why Construction Isn’t Always Fun

Unfortunately, sometimes we lose focus. Construction should always be about people first, then the plan, and finally, allocating resources. When we neglect to create a good environment and fail to bring the team together, work can become stressful and unenjoyable. If we don’t put enough effort into organizing our trailers, meetings, and systems, the job site can become chaotic. The key here is intentionality. When you don’t plan carefully, everything becomes harder. A poorly designed environment and a lack of structure can lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, a miserable job site.

How to Have Fun with the Design Team

Having fun starts with connecting with the design team. Take time to build relationships. For example, I remember visiting a designer’s office, going out for lunch, and just enjoying each other’s company. The banter and camaraderie created a great atmosphere that carried through the entire project. Creating a fun, cohesive design team will lead to better moods and greater productivity. Following the Scrum framework can also help make the process enjoyable by fostering team spirit.

Partnering with Trades During Pre-Construction

A critical step in creating a fun environment starts with partnering with the right trade partners. In pre-construction meetings, you can build rapport with key trades, select the right leaders, and ensure that your team is happy and collaborative. Co-locating with trade partners in the same trailer and sharing space fosters collaboration and allows for a more cohesive and enjoyable work environment. The fun, in this case, comes from a positive culture built on intentional planning and collaboration.

Making Pre-Kickoff Meetings Fun

Pre-flight kickoff meetings are another great way to build excitement. I’ve been part of kickoffs where we played games, had delicious food, and spent time connecting. It’s all about making the project launch a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Enjoy the Prefabrication Process

For me, prefabrication is one of the most enjoyable parts of construction. I love seeing the effort that goes into modeling and the results of the prefabricated pieces arriving on-site, ready to be installed correctly the first time. Prefabrication is an opportunity to celebrate small wins and boost morale.

Create a Fun Trailer Setup

A well-organized trailer setup can make all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to work on projects with customized trailers that include family walls, music, snacks, and plenty of space for collaboration. Making the trailer a comfortable, inviting space encourages productivity and improves everyone’s mood.

Make Meetings Fun

Meetings don’t have to be boring! Decorate your meeting rooms for different holidays, play music, and keep things light-hearted. You can even offer snacks or candy bowls. A well-decorated and engaging meeting space makes even routine huddles more enjoyable.

The Importance of Bathrooms and Lunchrooms

Even the bathrooms and lunchrooms can be fun! On one project, we tricked out our bathrooms with custom-built stalls, fresh paint, and even tunes. We stocked the lunchroom with snacks and drinks using the recycling money from scrap metal. People loved it, and it built a sense of respect and camaraderie among the crew.

Barbecue Parties and Team Competitions

Barbecues are a fantastic way to reward the crew and build team spirit. Hosting a barbecue for milestones or rewarding specific crews creates a positive, fun atmosphere on-site. You can also add some friendly competition by organizing games like a nail-driving contest, which helps everyone relax and enjoy their work.

Preparing Food for the Crew

Another way to create a fun environment is by cooking for the crew. I’ve worked with teams that made pancakes and waffles for the crew during morning huddles. Simple gestures like this can go a long way in boosting morale and creating a supportive, fun atmosphere on-site.

Awards and Recognition

One of the best ways to encourage fun on-site is through recognition. We used to give awards to the best crew based on their performance, cleanliness, and teamwork. We’d take the winning crew out for special dinners, such as crab leg feasts at a local casino. These outings became highly anticipated events, motivating the crews to give their best effort on every project.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop There!

The fun doesn’t have to end with barbecues and awards. There are countless ways to build a positive culture, from team-building outings and celebrations to giving out gift cards and creating rally cries for the job site. When the environment is designed intentionally, the job site can feel like a mini Disneyland—minus the long lines and heat!

Conclusion

Fun and construction don’t have to be mutually exclusive. By fostering intentionality and building a positive, lean environment, you can make construction an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With some creativity and a focus on team spirit, your job site can become a place where people look forward to working every day.