Today, employees are more vocal about prioritizing job satisfaction and personal growth. They frequently look for positions with employers that align with their values and give them opportunities to have a positive effect on the world. 

Sense of purpose

A Deloitte study indicated that 70% of millennial workers believe a sense of purpose is the driving factor in their career choices. Construction and electrical work can be appealing as there is great potential to create tangible change and a lasting influence on society.

Because of this, employers are shifting their recruitment strategies and workplace culture. Employers that offer flexible work arrangements, opportunities for professional development and a positive work environment are more likely to excel in the current climate.

Employers in the construction and electrical fields are increasingly tailoring their work environments, scheduling and recruiting strategies to reflect this shift. Organizations that incorporate work/life balance strategies can reap the benefits of higher morale and happier and healthier workers, and even decrease the probability of injuries, according to research published in the Journal of Safety Research.

All of this can be achieved by establishing rotating schedules, fitness programs, stretching routines, flexible work hours or safety programs to train workers. The implementation of disability prevention and management programs can help assess and reduce the risk of hazards, injuries and illnesses. All contribute to a healthier, more satisfied team on and off the job.

Seeking flexible work

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the blog post “Work Flexibility and Worker Well-being,” “Independent contractors reported the highest percentages for all flexibility indicators. On-call workers had higher flexibility to change their schedules but lower flexibility to work at home than those in standard arrangements. Those working for temporary help agencies had the lowest flexibility to work at home, take time off, and change their schedule.”

While this is true, since construction and electrical work is often stressful and physically demanding, it can be difficult to maintain balance. The nature of the work may lead to burnout. Workers frequently put in long hours and are away from their homes and families, which can lead to fatigue, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Additionally, construction projects may be cyclical or seasonal, leaving workers with limited or no job certainty and creating additional stress, mental strain or worry about financial insecurity.

Creating a caring culture

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the construction industry—including the electrical field—has the second highest suicide rate of any profession in the country. To counteract that, resources are available to address and improve mental health. Employers can also intentionally create a caring culture. Anyone can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. These efforts can help workers feel their well-being is important and worth speaking up about when experiencing mental health challenges.

Employers may also provide mental health training for workers and implement an Employee Assistance Program. Employers can communicate ways to maintain optimal mental health through toolbox talks, posters, fact sheets, wallet cards, newsletters or hardhat stickers. Employers can also offer reduced hours or a part-time role to skilled workers to provide a more flexible schedule and manage burnout or fatigue. This can minimize the physical impact on the body. When older employees can’t physically do the work anymore, they can step into mentoring or teaching roles to help share their skills and experience with younger workers.

Work/life balance and mental health is not only the employer’s responsibility. Workers play a role in setting clear priorities and boundaries and efficiently managing their time. Employees who establish clear priorities with realistic deadlines can complete their responsibilities without sacrificing personal time. Setting boundaries includes not answering work calls or emails outside of working hours. Workers can also delegate tasks to others if work is encroaching on their personal time.

Finally, construction workers should be sure to use their paid time off. This will help employees stay fresh. Participating in leisure activities or rest and relaxation can help keep workers happy, motivated and rejuvenated.

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