Strategies to Build Company Culture in Construction

A positive company culture in construction can help build a sustainable and successful business that attracts and retains the best employees.

Alex Parker, founder of Parker Rock 'N' Dirt, serves as an inspiring example for other leaders. His journey from a young worker in his father's landscaping company to a successful business owner highlights the impact that positive leadership and a strong company culture can have. By looking at Parker’s commitment to company culture, other leaders can learn how to create a supportive, productive and thriving workplace.

"When I started our company, I wanted to create a place where employees felt valued and part of a family. This wasn't just about getting the job done but doing it in a way that made everyone feel good about their work and their workplace."

10 STRATEGIES FOR COMPANY CULTURE

1. Lead by Example
   The foundation of a positive company culture starts at the top. Leaders must embody the values and behaviors they wish to see in their employees. "Your culture is your reputation,” Parker says. “If you have a good reputation within your community, you likely have a good culture. It starts with the owners and filters down through the organization."
2. Promote Open Communication
   Effective communication is vital in any organization, but it is especially crucial in construction, where misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and safety hazards. Parker advocates for an open-door policy, where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and suggestions. "Communication is key. I always tell my team, 'If you can't communicate with me or your colleagues, we won't be successful.' We need to talk about our challenges and work together to solve them."
3. Foster a Family-Oriented Environment
   Creating a family-oriented environment where employees feel valued and supported can significantly enhance job satisfaction and loyalty. Parker explains, "I want my employees to know that their family life is just as important as their work. If they need time off for family reasons, we accommodate that. This approach has helped us build a loyal and dedicated team."
4. Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development
   Offering opportunities for professional growth and development is crucial for retaining top talent. Parker promotes from within the company and provides clear pathways for career advancement, allowing his employees to excel and grow in their roles. Investing in his employees' growth creates a sense of ownership and pride in the company's success. "We have a self-promotion system where employees can advance based on their skills and contributions. This gives them control over their career paths and motivates them to excel.”
5. Recognize and Reward Contributions
   Recognition and rewards are powerful tools for boosting morale and motivation. Parker ensures that his employees' hard work does not go unnoticed. "We celebrate our team's achievements, whether it's completing a project ahead of schedule or maintaining a perfect safety record. Recognizing their efforts shows them that we value their contributions."
6. Invest in Safety Training
   Safety is a paramount concern in construction, and a culture that prioritizes safety can prevent accidents and enhance worker confidence. Parker's personal experience with a trench accident at a young age has made him particularly vigilant about safety. "Safety is ingrained in our culture. We conduct regular safety training and refreshers to ensure everyone is aware of the hazards and knows how to mitigate them."
7. Encourage Work-Life Balance
   Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout and ensuring long-term job satisfaction. Parker shares his company's approach, "We don't overwork our employees. Our standard workweek is around 40-45 hours, and we rarely exceed that. I want my team to have time for their families and personal lives."
8. Utilize Technology to Improve Efficiency
   Leveraging technology can streamline operations and reduce stress for employees. Parker has found innovative ways to incorporate technology into his business, "We use automation tools to track project progress and manage documentation. This reduces the administrative burden on our team and allows them to focus on their core tasks."
9. Create a Collaborative Work Environment
   A collaborative work environment where employees feel they are part of a team can enhance job satisfaction and productivity. Parker encourages collaboration by regularly seeking input from his team. "I often ask my employees for their thoughts on new projects or challenges we're facing. This makes them feel involved in the decision-making process and more invested in the outcomes."
10. Promote Diversity and Inclusion
    Diversity and inclusion can bring new perspectives and ideas, enhancing innovation and problem-solving. Parker shares his positive experience with hiring a female employee, "Hiring women in construction has brought a new dynamic to our team. They often bring a different perspective and attention to detail that benefits our projects and overall work environment."

Communication is key. I always tell my team, 'If you can't communicate with me or your colleagues, we won't be successful.' We need to talk about our challenges and work together to solve them.

Alex Parker

Founder, Parker Rock 'N' Dirt

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES

Parker's commitment to creating a positive company culture has yielded tangible benefits for his business. Here are some real-life examples he shared.

Improved Safety Practices 

Safety is a cornerstone of Parker’s leadership philosophy. His personal experience with a serious trench accident when he was just 17 years old has made him particularly vigilant about safety protocols. Regular training sessions and a proactive approach to safety ensure that his employees are well-protected and knowledgeable about potential hazards. "After implementing regular safety refreshers and bringing in external safety trainers, we've seen a significant reduction in accidents. Our employees feel safer and more confident on the job."

Enhanced Employee Loyalty

By fostering a family-oriented environment and supporting work-life balance, Parker has built a loyal workforce. "Our low turnover rate speaks for itself. Employees appreciate that we value their personal lives and make accommodations when needed. This loyalty translates into higher productivity and a more cohesive team."

Increased Productivity

A positive company culture has also led to increased productivity. Parker explains, "When employees feel valued and supported, they are more motivated to do their best work. Our projects are often completed ahead of schedule, and the quality of our work has improved."

Successful Integration of New Hires

Integrating new hires into the company culture is a priority for Parker. He ensures that new employees are quickly made to feel part of the team. "We start with a thorough orientation process and pair new hires with experienced mentors. This helps them get up to speed quickly and feel connected to the team." New hires also get to spend a day driving around with Parker to different job sites, seeing the company in action is important.

Positive Reputation in the Community

Parker's commitment to a positive company culture has also enhanced his company's reputation in the community. "We are known not just for the quality of our work but also for how we treat our employees. This reputation has helped us attract top talent and secure new business opportunities."

Action Items to Build A Better Company Culture

FOSTER OPEN COMMUNICATION

• Regular Check-ins: Hold regular team meetings to discuss both work-related and personal matters. This builds rapport and ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Feedback Sessions: Implement routine feedback sessions where employees can voice their concerns and suggestions without fear of retribution.

DEVELOP A FAMILY-ORIENTED CULTURE 

• Personal Interest: Take a genuine interest in your employees’ personal lives. Ask about their families, hobbies and weekend activities to create a supportive and caring work environment.
• Flexibility: Offer flexible working hours when needed, especially for employees dealing with personal issues, to demonstrate that you value their well-being.

PROMOTE FROM WITHIN 

• Career Pathways: Establish clear career pathways and promote employees based on merit. This motivates employees to perform well and stay with the company longer.
• Training Programs: Invest in training and development programs to help employees advance in their careers within the company.

ENHANCE SAFETY PRACTICES

• Regular Training: Conduct regular safety training sessions and refreshers to ensure that all employees are up-to-date with the latest safety protocols.
• Open Discussions: Encourage open discussions about safety concerns and potential hazards on the job site.

ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION 

• Team Building: Foster a collaborative environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together to solve problems.
• Diverse Perspectives: Value and incorporate diverse viewpoints to improve efficiency and innovation.

MAINTAIN WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• Reasonable Hours: Avoid overworking your employees. Aim for a balanced workload that allows them to have a fulfilling personal life as well.
• Stress Management: Monitor the workload and stress levels of your employees. Offer support and adjustments when needed to maintain a healthy work environment.

I often ask my employees for their thoughts on new projects or challenges we're facing. This makes them feel involved in the decision-making process and more invested in the outcomes.

Alex Parker

Founder, Parker Rock 'N' Dirt

INVEST IN EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT 

• Continuous Learning: Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees grow in their roles.
• Mentorship: Encourage experienced employees to mentor newer or younger team members, facilitating knowledge transfer and personal growth.

CREATE TRANSPARENT POLICIES 

• Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations and guidelines for all employees. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Consistency: Apply policies consistently across the board to maintain fairness and trust within the team.

Photo credit: Alex Parker