The Workforce Management Guide For General Contractors
Workforce management (WFM) is an organizational approach used to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of employees. Across a variety of industries, this practice strategically optimizes productivity.
In construction, WFM gets the right person in the right place at the right time, creating the right plan. General contractors across the world practice WFM, but most are doing so unknowingly and unequipped — the majority struggle to do so with spreadsheets and multiple phone calls. When done successfully, WFM helps general contractors gain insights into individuals’ capacities, as well as their workforce’s capacity as a whole (forecasting shortages and surpluses of field or office personnel). They can optimize their profits with analytics, improve their data hygiene and integrations and achieve organizational alignment. The foundation of WFM is a framework known as People, Process, Technology (PPT). This business model was created in 1964 by Dr. Harold Leavitt, an American psychologist of management.
Leavitt’s model is also referred to as a “three legged stool,” and continues to be an important framework of effective organizational management to this day. Each leg of this stool works together to support successful WFM:
+ PEOPLE: Who should be involved
People are centric to business and construction operations. Without people, nothing gets accomplished.
+ PROCESS: How it should be done
Standardized processes create predictability and efficiency. Progress is obstructed without processes.
+ TECHNOLOGY: Enable people, support process
The tool must fit the task. Technology should simplify processes and amplify effectiveness.
When properly positioned, the three legs of PPT support effective construction WFM to improve profits, processes and people for general contractors. Keep reading to learn how.
