Can digitalization compensate for the shortage of skilled workers in SMEs?
The shortage of skilled workers is currently one of the greatest difficulties facing the construction industry and is prompting us to look for solutions that can help. The keyword “digitalization” is often used here.
In this blog, you can find out what digitalization can do for you to counteract this and make you fit for the future.
Skills shortage in around 80 % of all companies of the construction industry
Are you experiencing the effects of the shortage of skilled workers in your company on a daily basis? This difficult situation can be found in almost all medium-sized construction and craft businesses.
A recent study by management consultants PwC shows how worrying the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry is: for 78% of those surveyed, it is the biggest challenge alongside price fluctuations and cost pressure.
The consequences of the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry
The shortage of skilled workers is leading to considerable losses in turnover, as many SMEs are unable to take on new orders due to a lack of employees. In the long term, this reduces competitiveness and profit margins.
Existing employees often have to work overtime to compensate for the lack of skilled workers, which leads to dissatisfaction and an increase in labor costs.
Skilled trades on construction sites and technical professions in planning are particularly affected. In this context, digitalization is a key success factor in meeting these challenges. But what is important here?
Facts and figures: The advantages of digital solutions in medium-sized constructioncompanies and craft businesses
According to PwCsurvey go 60 % of the respondents assume that investments in the digitalization of their company are worthwhile and improve collaboration and communication between all stakeholders involved. bring. See advantages 59 % of the of the companies also in a cost reduction and 52 % in a shorter project phase thanks to efficient work processes.
Die Bauindustrie in Krisenzeiten (Quelle: PwC).
Better use of skilled workers: Around 50 % time savings thanks to construction site apps
An English study states that people in the only 30 % of their time is actually spent on construction work. 70 % of their time must be spent on non-value-adding tasks spend. These tasks include extensive preparations as well as administrative documentation and waiting for further instructions.
Such inefficient construction management leads to project delays, delays, missed deadlines and considerable additional costs.
Cost savings for medium-sized construction industry and trade
McKinsey has also investigated the potential of digitalization in the construction industry and clearly summarized the cost savings in the graphic.
Digitization as an important contribution against the shortage of skilled workers
Digitalization offers you numerous opportunities to overcome the skills shortage in your not eliminate it, but significantly mitigate.
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Find out more in our building blog on the subject:
Attractive digital apps against the shortage of skilled workers
The apps from 123onsite are exemplary of the possibilities available to your company and your employees today.
For you and the administrative area as well as in your planning department, digital construction site apps enable better control over the entire construction process.
They offer real-time access to all important data, facilitate compliance with legal requirements through automatic updates and ensure maximum data security. In addition, external systems can be seamlessly integrated thanks to the open API, which increases the efficiency of your project management.
For your employees in the trade, these tools make their daily work much easier. Mobile apps enable quick and uncomplicated documentation directly on the construction site, without the hassle of traditional paperwork. All data is available at all times, which optimizes the workflow and reduces errors.
Industrial worker cutting and welding metal with many sharp sparks,Worker cutting metal with grinder. Sparks while grinding iron
Skilled workers in the skilled trades: What young people expect from the future
Young people who are interested in the skilled trades benefit from mobile apps that enable them to obtain and document information in real time directly on the construction site. Mobile apps for construction site documentation, Time tracking or defect management make their day-to-day work more efficient and flexible. They no longer have to rely on paper documents and can record tasks digitally directly on site. These tools not only improve the workflow, but also make the profession more attractive for tech-savvy professionals, as they offer modern working methods that meet the requirements of today’s digital working world.
Get to know an example from practice here:
Recruiting: Using digitalization to increase attractiveness for young workers
But to safeguard your company against a shortage of skilled workers in the long term, you need one thing above all: young, motivated employees.
The introduction of modern technologies not only makes your company more attractive to young, digitally-savvy specialists, but also increases your overall competitiveness on the labor market.
Conclusion: Digitization as a success factor against the shortage of skilled workers
Building digital skills within your workforce is crucial. As a medium-sized construction company or craft business, you should therefore invest in the training of your employees in order to successfully shape the digital transformation.
Discover here how this works in practice and the successes achieved by SMEs.
Overall, it is clear that digitalization is not only a response to the shortage of skilled workers, but also a strategic necessity in order to remain competitive in the long term.
Companies that rely on digital solutions at an early stage can optimize their processes, reduce costs and position themselves as attractive employers.
