Maintaining project momentum during the holiday season can be challenging for construction companies due to reduced staff availability and potential supply delays. Here are 10 strategies to help contractors stay on track during the holidays.
- ADVANCED PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
Action: Assess project timelines well in advance of the holiday season. Adjust schedules to accommodate reduced working days and potential delays.
For Large Projects: Consider implementing shift work or overtime before and after the holidays to make up for lost time. - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Action: Clearly communicate holiday schedules to all team members, suppliers and clients. Keep everyone informed about timelines and any anticipated delays.
For Clients: Provide regular updates and manage expectations regarding potential slowdowns during the holiday period. Remember it is always best to under-promise and over-deliver! - STAFFING MANAGEMENT
Action: Plan for holiday staffing in advance. Make sure you have everyone’s time off requests in writing and organized. Consider requiring one weekend of work or using temporary hires or subcontractors to fill gaps if necessary.
For Key Roles: Ensure that responsibilities are covered by trained personnel during the absence of key staff. - PRIORITIZING CRITICAL TASKS
Action: Identify and prioritize critical tasks that must be completed before the holidays. Focus resources on these areas.
For Large Projects: Break down the project into smaller sections and prioritize sections that are critical to the overall timeline. - MANAGING SUPPLY CHAIN
Action: Coordinate with suppliers to confirm delivery schedules and order essential materials well in advance. Be prepared for delays in the supply chain for materials during the busy holiday season.
For Material Shortages: Have a backup list of alternative suppliers or materials to avoid project delays. - CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Action: Develop contingency plans for unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the holiday season.
For Weather-Related Delays: Have a plan for protecting the site and materials in case of adverse weather conditions. - LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
Action: Use project management software to keep track of progress and coordinate tasks remotely.
For Remote Monitoring: Implement tools for virtual site inspections or meetings to keep stakeholders informed. - SECURE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Action: A construction site may be closed down for a couple of days or even weeks during the holiday season. Be sure to properly secure all construction sites to avoid theft, weather damage and other safety hazards.
For Site Managers: Be proactive and plan ahead for any time that a site will be closed down. Video surveillance can help deter unwanted intruders and let you check in while traveling. - MOTIVATING STAFF
Action: Keep staff morale high during the holiday season with incentives or recognition for those who work during this period.
For Large Teams: Organize a small event or gesture of appreciation for the team's hard work and commitment. - POST-HOLIDAY RAMP-UP
Action: Plan for a productive ramp-up post-holidays. Schedule a team meeting to realign and focus on the project goals.
For Extended Breaks: Consider a phased return to work to ensure smooth resumption of full-scale operations.
By implementing these strategies, contractors can effectively manage their projects during the holiday season, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining project timelines.
HOLIDAY PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
1. Advanced Planning and Scheduling
- Review and adjust project timelines considering the holiday season.
- Schedule shift work or overtime if needed for large projects.
2. Effective Communication
- Communicate holiday schedules to team members, suppliers, and clients.
- Keep clients regularly updated about holiday-related changes.
3. Staffing Management
- Plan holiday staffing in advance, including temporary hires if needed.
- Ensure coverage for key roles during staff absences.
4. Prioritizing Critical Tasks
- Identify and focus on critical tasks that need completion pre-holidays.
- Break down large projects into prioritized sections.
5. Managing Supply Chain
- Confirm holiday delivery schedules with suppliers.
- Prepare a list of alternative suppliers or materials.
6. Contingency Planning
- Develop plans for potential delays or issues during the holidays.
- Prepare for adverse weather conditions, especially for outdoor projects.
7. Leveraging Technology
- Utilize project management software for tracking and coordination.
- Set up tools for remote site inspections or meetings.
8. Client Engagement
- Keep clients engaged and informed about the project status.
- Address client concerns promptly and provide solutions.
9. Motivating Staff
- Implement incentives or recognition for holiday period workers.
- Organize appreciation events or gestures for the team.
10. Post-Holiday Ramp-Up
- Plan for an effective ramp-up after the holidays.
- Schedule a team meeting to realign goals and focus post-break.
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