logo

7 Tips for Better Construction Crew Communication

7 Tips for Better Construction Crew Communication

Communication in construction is essential to a project’s success.

A construction worker might experience a problem at a specific site and they need to immediately alert their manager. If there’s no clear way to communicate, the result could be a costly delay.

So whether you’re managing a remote crew or working on site, having an effective communication system can help avoid costly mistakes, keep projects on schedule, and maintain a safe work environment.

In this article, we’ll share 7 tips for better construction crew communication. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Drawbacks of Poor Communication in Construction?

There are a few key ways that poor communication can negatively impact a construction project:

1. It can lead to errors and omissions.

If critical information isn’t relayed correctly, it can result in material being ordered incorrectly or delivered to the wrong site. This can cause significant delays and added costs.

2. It can impact safety.

Improper communication is one of the leading causes of construction accidents. If workers don’t have a clear understanding of what they’re supposed to be doing, it increases the chance of someone getting hurt.

3. It can cause project delays.

When communication breakdowns occur, it can put a project behind schedule. This can cause a domino effect, throwing off the entire construction schedule.

4. It can lead to conflict.

Miscommunication often leads to conflict among team members. This can further delay a project and cause morale issues amongst the crew.

5. It can waste time and money.

In construction, time is money. When communication breakdowns occur, it can result in billable hours being wasted. This can quickly add up, leading to a loss of revenue for the company.

If you want to improve communication in your crew, read on for 7 tips.

7 Best Tips for Better Communication Within Construction Crews

When the construction plan has already been laid out, all that remains is for the construction crew to implement it.

However, even with the best-laid plans, things can still go wrong. That’s why effective communication is key to the success of your construction projects.

Here are 7 tips for better communication within construction crews:

  1. Avoid Unnecessary Jargon

When communicating with construction crews, it’s important to use language that everyone will understand.

For example, “ponding” is a common term used in the construction industry , but it might not be familiar to everyone on the crew. If you use this term without explaining what it means, it could lead to confusion and delays.

2. Use Mobile Platforms

In today’s world, there’s no excuse for not being able to stay in touch with your construction crew.

As of 2018, the presence of mobiles on construction sites has increased in importance. And many construction companies view mobiles as an essential piece of equipment – with good reason.

Mobiles help facilitate construction communication in a number of ways. For example, they can be used to send text messages, make calls, and even video chat.

There are a number of mobile platforms that you can use to communicate with workers – even when they’re out on the job site.

For example, MobiClock’s Kiosk app includes a messaging feature that lets you quickly send messages to individual workers or the entire crew.

  1. Schedule Regular Meetings

To prevent any problems that might hinder the construction process, it’s important to schedule regular meetings with the construction crew – even if there isn’t anything specific that needs to be discussed.

Some workers might be reluctant to speak unless they get asked directly, so these meetings provide an opportunity for everyone to voice any concerns they might have.

They also give you a chance to go over the construction schedule and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

  1. Repeat Instructions

When giving instructions to construction crews, it’s important to repeat them multiple times. This will help ensure that everyone understands what they need to do.

For example, if you want to have a certain group work on a remote construction site tomorrow, make sure to send out a reminder the night before.

It’s also a good idea to have workers repeat the instructions back to you. This way, you can be sure that they understand what you’re asking them to do.

  1. Establish a Clear Chain of Command in Your Team

In any construction crew, there needs to be a clear chain of command. This will help ensure that everyone knows who they should go to with questions or concerns and facilitate good communication between workers and managers.

It also helps to prevent confusion and conflict between workers. If there’s ever a disagreement on the job site, workers will know who they need to talk to in order to resolve the issue.

It’s best to include job descriptions with titles in the contract documents so that everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities from the start.

  1. Evaluate Your Plan for Remote Crew Management

If you’re managing a construction crew that’s spread out across multiple job sites, it’s important to evaluate your plan for remote crew management.

This will help ensure that you have the right tools and systems in place to stay in touch with workers and keep track of their progress.

For example, managers who use construction tracking apps that include GPS tracking can see the location of each worker in real-time.

This is particularly useful for construction crews that are working on multiple job sites at the same time.

  1. Keep Information and Knowledge Updated

It’s important to keep the information updated when communicating with construction crews.

For example, if there’s a change in the construction schedule, make sure this information reaches workers in a timely manner.

This way, they can adjust their schedules accordingly and avoid any disruptions.

It’s also important to keep track of changes in the construction crew. If someone is sick or taking a vacation, make sure to update the contact information for that person.

Moreover, keeping up with the latest updates regarding construction technology such as drone usage, wearable AI, and facial recognition technology, will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your workers are using the most efficient methods possible.

Manage Communication in Your Team and Improve Your Construction Process 

By following the tips above, you can improve communication in your construction crew and make sure that everyone is on the same page. This will help prevent disruptions on the job site and ensure that your construction project stays on track.

Moreover, by establishing a clear chain of command and keeping the information updated, you can create a more efficient and organized construction process.

You may also like

How to Deal With No Call, No Show Employees
5 Ways to Develop Strong Work Ethics Among Your Employees
How to Create an Employee Handbook for Your Construction Company
chat
chat