Recruiting and retaining employees in the construction industry can be challenging due to factors such as labor shortages, demanding work conditions, and high turnover rates. However, with the right strategies—and by leveraging resources from the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM)—contractors can strengthen their workforce and improve long-term retention.
Offer Competitive Compensation
Providing competitive pay and benefits is crucial to attract and retain skilled workers in the construction industry. In addition to benchmarking with national data, Michigan contractors can use CAM’s access to industry information and networking with peers at CAM events to stay informed about wage and benefit practices in the commercial market.
Provide Opportunities for Career Growth
Many employees want clear paths to advance their skills and careers. By participating on an industry committee with like-minded professionals, employees develop a network of peers to support their growth.
Offer Employee Benefits
Robust benefits such as health insurance, retirement options, and financial wellness support can differentiate your company in a tight labor market.
CAM members can access level-funded healthcare plans and financial services through the Construction Federal Credit Union (CFCU), helping employers enhance benefit offerings without starting from scratch.
Provide Training and Equipment
Proper safety and skills training, along with modern, well-maintained equipment, are essential for both productivity and employee confidence.
CAM offers industry-specific training and MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) classes at its Training and Education Center, giving members a reliable source for required safety education and certifications. In addition, the Great Lakes Design & Construction EXPO offers an opportunity to talk one-on-one with exhibitors and test-drive the newest tools, materials, and technology shaping today’s jobsites.
Promote Work-life Balance
Construction work is demanding, so encouraging reasonable schedules, time off, and mental well-being is critical to preventing burnout.
CAM’s social and networking events, such as sporting clays , baseball games, bowling leagues, and golf outings, give companies ready-made opportunities to reward teams with off-the-job connections and appreciation, reinforcing balance beyond the jobsite.
Show Appreciation and Recognition
Employees who feel seen and valued are more likely to stay. Recognizing safety performance, project milestones, and individual contributions reinforces desired behaviors.
CAM’s many member events and its role as an industry hub provide platforms to highlight company and employee achievements publicly, from features in CAM Magazine to Project Achievement and Safety Achievement Awards.
Prioritize Safety
Safety must be a non-negotiable priority; a strong safety culture shows employees their well-being comes first and reduces costly incidents.
CAM delivers construction-specific safety training on topics such as OSHA 10-hour, MIOSHA regulations, fall protection, and online safety modules through partners like PureSafety OnDemand, helping employers maintain high safety standards and demonstrate serious commitment to worker protection.
Recruitment and retention are ongoing efforts that require continual adjustment. By combining internal best practices with CAM’s training, safety resources, benefits partners, events, and publications, Michigan contractors can create a more attractive, supportive, and stable workplace for current and future employees.