Majority of employers consider flexible scheduling to boost work-life balance
Construction employers in Australia and New Zealand are putting greater focus on flexibility and upskilling in a bid to attract and retain talent in a competitive labour market.
A new report from Kennards Hire has found that 65% of construction employers in ANZ are prioritising the introduction of flexible scheduling to improve work-life balance.
The same percentage also said they are prioritising training and development programmes for the acquisition of new skills.
Additionally, another 57% said they are focusing on career advancement opportunities within the industry, according to the report, which polled 608 senior business leaders from ANZ construction businesses.
The findings come as the report found that 35% of employers lack specialist project management expertise.
Another 35% also said they do not have enough skilled labour to complete specific work tasks, leading to project delays or reduced productivity.
High construction confidence
Despite these challenges, the report found that 91% of employers are optimistic about the industry's performance over the next five years.
Almost all respondents (99%), however, are actively implementing or exploring cost-saving strategies as economic pressures remain at the top of their minds.
"We're seeing an industry that's optimistic, but also realistic," said Tom Kimber, a General Manager of Sales at Kennards Hire, in a statement.
"While confidence in the industry remains high, so does the pressure to optimise – whether through cost reduction, tackling productivity challenges, or future-proofing their business operations. Across the board, we're seeing a clear shift toward smarter and more agile ways of working."
