Future of Work

Family and leisure-friendly working hours for increased productivity.

Jonas Stamm
Jonas Stamm
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Published on 11th Jul 2023

The workday of a construction worker is typically long and hard. It starts in the early morning hours and extends into the evening. Often, the workers are even exposed to hazardous conditions on a daily basis. When they don't have enough time for family or leisure activities, their health quickly deteriorates, leading to accidents and injuries. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that more than a third of all fatal accidents involving construction workers are attributed to fatigue.

It is important for construction companies to take measures that allow their employees to take time for family and leisure activities. This includes flexible working hours, paid time off, and access to on-site childcare. In this way, companies can ensure a more productive workforce that is less prone to injuries.

There are many advantages of flexible working hours for construction workers. Firstly, they can take time off for family emergencies and other important events. Additionally, it allows them to take time for personal rest and recovery, which is important considering the hazardous nature of the work. Flexible working hours can also improve work morale and job satisfaction.

It is important to have paid time off and access to childcare because working parents often have to make difficult choices between work and family. This is especially true for parents working in construction, where activities can be dangerous and unpredictable. Construction workers need access to paid leave so they can take care of their families in case of emergencies. They also need reliable childcare so they can work in the first place. The new generation of construction workers expects certain benefits that are considered standard in other industries. If construction companies want to attract and retain the best talent, they need to offer family-friendly working hours. This applies to both construction workers on the site and construction engineers in the office.

There are many ways in which a company can create a more productive and less injury-prone workforce through family-friendly measures. One way is to provide adequate downtime for the recovery of physical injuries. Many companies still push their construction workers to return to the site as quickly as possible to continue the work. However, this negatively affects the morale of the workforce and can lead to long-term absences as the injury has no time to heal.

Furthermore, employees have less time to dedicate to other aspects of their lives, such as hobbies or relaxation. When work demands are constantly high, issues in the personal lives of individuals are bound to arise. This is not attractive for construction workers. Therefore, family-friendly working hours are crucial for any company that wants to have a happy and healthy workforce.

A well-rested workforce with ample time for their families has many benefits for the company. One example is reduced absenteeism. When employees feel that they have time for their personal lives, they are less likely to call in sick. This means that projects can be completed on time and without delays.

Additionally, it is important for employees to be healthy and satisfied. When employees are stressed, they can make mistakes on the construction site. This can lead to accidents that can cost the company a lot of money in the form of liability claims.

In conclusion, even though work in construction can be dangerous and unpredictable, it is important for employers to offer family-friendly benefits to their employees. This includes paid time off and childcare, among others. In this way, they can ensure that their employees are more productive and less prone to illness or health complications, which are often caused by workplace stress. If your company has not yet implemented family-friendly measures, it is time to change that! It is beneficial for both your employees and your company.