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ShareLabor productivity losses in construction happen due to various factors. To calculate this, a contractor defines the amount of work upon assumptions they make about the labor and material costs, and overall labor productivity. If the contractor needs to use more hours to complete the project than it was initially planned, that is a clear sign of labor productivity losses in construction. Let's see what factors affect it and what you can do about it.
Work plan modifications
It is not that unusual that a client asks the contractor to modify the sequence of work and change the construction plan. That can happen for various reasons, but at that moment, the contractor needs to stop the construction process and ask for additional compensation. If the process stretches out for too long, it will affect the overall labor productivity, and there will be a delay in the construction work.
Furthermore, construction plan modifications also happen for other reasons. As an example, the pandemic affected home builders in many ways. When it comes to these situations where you don't have control over what happens, it is best to revisit the construction plans and make a forecast for the next few months. This approach can help avoid not only the loss of productivity but also financial issues.
Furthermore, construction plan modifications also happen for other reasons. As an example, the pandemic affected home builders in many ways. When it comes to these situations where you don't have control over what happens, it is best to revisit the construction plans and make a forecast for the next few months. This approach can help avoid not only the loss of productivity but also financial issues.
Weather conditions
It is crucial that all contractors plan construction work according to the weather. The loss of productivity happens when severe weather conditions cause a delay and stop the construction process. However, there is also a case when the contractor delays the plan and pushes the project, changing the schedule. It can often happen that the new schedule aligns with the unfavorable weather conditions and delays the project again.Overtime hours
Working overtime hours is probably one of the most common factors of labor productivity losses in construction. Not only because of fatigue, but the productivity loss also happens if the compensation for it is not high enough. If we consider how many different things can affect construction work, delays happen quite often. The need for overtime hours can arise if the contractor wants to catch up and stay within the deadline.No full access to the construction site
It is up to the contractor to organize the construction process and think about the methods of performance. That implies that the contractor has full access to the construction site. However, sometimes that is not the case. Restricted access will significantly affect labor productivity because it can create unpredicted delays. This can happen if there is miscommunication with the client. With that in mind, make sure always to ask the client the right questions.On-site injuries
Dealing with on-site injuries is always challenging. If there is a lack of security and an employee gets injured, that will directly affect the employees' motivation and mood and may result in the loss of productivity. It is not always possible to avoid accidents, but employee safety must always be on the level.Constant changes on the project
A construction project happens in a dynamic environment where things change all the time. The more changes there are, the more time is needed for the construction project to be completed. A ripple effect caused by these changes will affect labor productivity losses in construction. It is up to the contractor to find a solution and handle these changes. The best approach is to correctly calculate the time needed to finish all the work while thinking about possible delays.The lack of staffing
When we consider everything above, one of the most apparent reasons for the labor productivity losses in construction is the lack of skilled employees. The shortage of skilled labor happens all over the United States, and it is crucial to find a way to deal with this issue. The lack of manpower will create delays, and to catch up, the contractor may decide to accelerate the work, resorting to overtime and other situations we discussed.Overcrowding
Overcrowding, also known as trade stacking, happens when multiple contractors work in a single area at the same time. It can lead to the unavailability of construction materials, increased overtime hours, and all sorts of delays.Customer communication
Customer communication, or the lack thereof, can seriously affect labor productivity losses in construction. We already mentioned how restricted site access could create problems. However, that's not the only issue.
When doing construction work or remodel on private homes, many different factors can cause delays. As an example, the work area needs to be cleared and all personal belongings removed. If this is not communicated with the client, the work will need to be pushed from the start. It would be best to advise clients to put away all the unnecessary items in storage while the construction work is in progress.
When doing construction work or remodel on private homes, many different factors can cause delays. As an example, the work area needs to be cleared and all personal belongings removed. If this is not communicated with the client, the work will need to be pushed from the start. It would be best to advise clients to put away all the unnecessary items in storage while the construction work is in progress.
Factors that affect labor productivity losses in construction - explained
Let's do a quick summary of all the factors that affect labor productivity losses in construction:
All of these factors will seriously affect labor productivity losses in construction. All contractors need to have that in mind and work towards dealing with any issues as soon as possible. The best way to avoid productivity losses is to come prepared, understanding what might happen. If you know that there will be delays with the construction work, it is a good idea to speak with your employees and let them know. If they are prepared for it, they will have a different mindset; do not keep them in the dark.
- constant work plan modifications;
- severe weather conditions;
- excessive overtime hours;
- the lack of full access to the construction site;
- often on-site injuries and lower level of employee safety;
- the ripple effect of multiple project changes;
- the lack of skilled labor;
- overcrowding multiple projects;
- the lack of customer communication
All of these factors will seriously affect labor productivity losses in construction. All contractors need to have that in mind and work towards dealing with any issues as soon as possible. The best way to avoid productivity losses is to come prepared, understanding what might happen. If you know that there will be delays with the construction work, it is a good idea to speak with your employees and let them know. If they are prepared for it, they will have a different mindset; do not keep them in the dark.
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