Remote Work Trends in the Construction Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every person and every industry workplace differently. There are so many industries in which the pandemic shifted everyone to working from home with relative ease. However, the construction industry isn’t one that lends itself to that process as easily. The pandemic has caused delays and disruptions, but that doesn’t mean managers and employees haven’t found ways to be productive throughout the challenges.

Construction is ultimately one of the most hands-on jobs available. And it’s a job that needs to be done. Unfortunately, there has been a worker and material shortage in the wake of the pandemic, but things are beginning to head in the direction of productivity once again, even if that progress is slow.

There are so many trends of remote work that can be utilized in the world of construction, even as you continue to get back to normal in your workplace. Here are some of the top remote work trends that have made their way into the construction industry.

1. Communicating Digitally

This one may be likely to stick around long after the pandemic has passed, mostly because it’s so useful. While you may already be using digital communication of some kind, group chats and communication tools like WhatsApp and Slack can put everything in one place for easy access.

This can help with establishing a communication chain and keeping track of all the necessary details it takes to be productive. Just make sure critical information has a clear chain-of-command and documentation to cover the business’ bases — sensitive information should be reserved for more formal channels of communication.

2. Utilizing the Cloud

When it comes to larger documents and management, the cloud is a great tool to rely on. Having a group cloud or drive that all of your management has access to can be a huge asset when working from afar. Even if you need to handle documents, permits, and instructions while you’re at another site, the cloud makes everything much easier.

3. Managing from Afar

While many management positions in the construction industry have historically been very hands-on and collaborative, COVID-19 pushed those in leadership positions to seriously consider who needs to be on-site, leading to a more remote management shift.

While some workplaces may continue to work within this model, plenty of them are reasonably excited to return to their teams hands-on. And while collaboration was at an all-time high among management — with some platforms reporting increases in usage of up to 80% — the physical work of construction did take a backseat.

4. Training Using Technology

With a limited staff on-site, it makes sense that comprehensive training should become more important than ever before. Especially when it comes to structural developments, the training your employees receive is one of the most crucial elements of creating a workplace that functions effectively and safely. Proper preparation allows operators and site workers to keep a job running while remote teams manage affairs digitally.

Training with technology has become much more popular since the pandemic. And due to its ease and effectiveness in many cases, it may stick around when necessary.

5. Remote Client Communication

If there’s one thing that can be moved to remote communication, it’s client interaction. Not only did COVID-19 make many rethink their employment setups, but also limit in-person interactions in their personal lives.

However, things like virtual home inspections, and virtual quotes, home visits, and consultations, all came about during the pandemic. And while remote preparation isn’t always the most accurate for sensitive situations, it can certainly get the job done in a pinch. Going forward, this tool may be utilized a bit more in situations where it’s required.

6. Longer Delays

While this one is not exactly a trend, it is a symptom of the pandemic that has stuck around. Due to the labor shortage and certain material shortages, in addition to the backlog of uncompleted projects over the year of the pandemic, many of the delays have gotten longer.

This situation will likely fade out over time, but many sources predict that some of the delays in construction may even last into 2022.

7. Prioritizing Safety

Without the benefit of consistent hands-on management, it’s become much more important to prioritize safety and safety training for construction teams. This especially stands true when it comes to newer workers and inexperienced individuals who began their careers during the pandemic.

Although some of the extenuating factors may wane in the coming months, prioritizing the safety of both the structures and the teams who create them is never a bad idea, and will likely be carried forth into the future.

Remote Work Trends in Construction

Just like any field, the construction industry underwent many changes during the pandemic — some much more difficult than others. And while many of the changes that were made in the construction industry were the result of necessity, there are a few that may stick around.

From the increased communication that came as a result of remote work, to the emphasis placed on safety and training, it’s safe to say that the pandemic resulted in many trends and learning experiences.