The BIGGEST reasons Laborers are throwing shade at Builders

Open the flood gates, here we go again! Nearly a decade has passed since home builders were sitting fat; putting a hammer and nail to every piece of vacant land, that had a contract, and some kind of cash attached to it. And, then there were...none.

Where have all the workers gone?

But, suddenly last month, according to the Commerce Department reports; building permits for SFR (Single Family Residence) and multi-family construction have escalated to a 8 year, high.

Of course, this is fantastic, for a lot of reasons. This could signal a continually improving economy (not just rumored). Licensed contractors can quit their jobs at Home Depot; and, lenders can begin shoveling out some of these great new construction and rehab loans, they've been sitting on. Check out...203k.tv (excellent resource).

However, echoing John Cougar's "the walls come tumbling down"...that is exactly what this new development in the construction landscape could look like...without laborers. More appropriately, it's like finding a nail in wood stack (you might NOT need a tetanus shot, for this search).

So, what the heck happened? Where have all the workers gone? They took a tractor outta dodge (or Vegas...one in the same) post collapse; and have cushy jobs, and weekly manicures, now. Considering many of them were in their late 20's, and early 30's when the housing fall out happened; returning to manual labor at nearly 40 something, is about as exciting as taking a 2 x 4 to the head. Exactly.

How about some new hard hats

Check the title of this post, again....The BIGGEST reason laborers are throwing shade at builders.
Urban dictionary: throwing shade..."giving an attitude to someone or something". But, why does this new crew of laborers have a beef with the builders?

Let me count the ways...

Problem:

1. Safety issues. Many new potential millennial laborers have grown up with "safety" as a core principal. Everything from environmental issues to violence. It's in their inherent nature to stay "safe". Therefore, given the reputation the construction industry has suffered in days gone by...this line of work, is not high on their list of choices.

Solution:

Nail safety records to the front door. Show them proof, as a core value of the company, there has been priority made in protecting them, while on the clock. Be sure to provide on-going training to manifest secure work spaces; and, have in place, safety managers to keep the freight elevator running smoothly, so to speak.

Problem:

2. Lack luster job title. Laborers = bottom feeders. With more and more college graduates entering the workforce; most are looking to make sure their student loans can be sawn in half, within the first few years of new their career placement. Many higher education business classes have shown them...impressive job titles, equal powerful pay scales.

Solution:

Match it! The construction industry can be VERY lucrative; but, the licensed contractors and company owners need to be willing to...share the wealth. They can't pay their laborers Walmart wages, and expect them to be lining up at the door. Break the padlock; and, "the blue collar stigma" at the same time. If you want to truly build an empire; it does take a village (full of well-compensated, and skilled workers).

Problem: 

3.  Stability. "Sorry, it's raining...no work today". "Sorry, the plumber didn't order the correct part". "Sorry, the carpet guy is out of that flooring product". "Sorry, we can't pay you this week; because, there was no business".

Granted, one might say the same for those in the sales industry...stability is not king. However, the significant difference here is, poverty level salespeople aren't bulldozing down entry ways to reach customers. No hustle..no flow. But, as these potential employees come into the daily grind, with a strong-of-mind-and-body mindset; and, regardless there is no work to be had...this is certainly not a carbon copy issue.

Solution: 

Piggy-backing off the previous solution; bluntly said....pay better wages. It is easier to stash some cash for a rainy day, when you have some moo la to stash! Or, how about think outside of the box; beyond brick and mortar. Are there "other" types of labor that can be done, when days are slow? What if there was a job description inclusive of brains and brawn? A multi-faceted employee. There is a win-win situation. Oh yeah, one more for the stability team....b.e.n.e.f.i.t.s. Especially in this industry...if laborers can't have wealth; at the very least, they should have good health.

So ready to block the shade throwin'? Let's be real...builders need the laborers, laborers need the jobs, and consumers need new homes built. Looking at the blueprint...it seems simple, enough.

#menatwork #letsrebuild #lucrativelaborers