Research shows that miscommunication and missing project data cause 48 percent of all project rework on U.S. construction sites. Proper communication ensures everyone is on the same page and has up-to-date data, which is crucial for any construction project.
However, when construction workers are spread out among multiple locations, it can be difficult to keep everyone updated. Many construction businesses use some form of mobile device, but are they really getting the most out of their mobile communication?
In this article, we’ll discuss common communication challenges for construction businesses and share effective tools to solve them.
Jump right to:
- Risks of poor communication in construction
- Common communication challenges in construction
- Strategies for better construction communication
- Best communication tools for construction sites
- How SMS can improve construction site communication
<h2 id="Risks">Risks of poor communication in construction</h2>
Poor communication is detrimental to any businesses, but it’s especially hazardous in the construction industry. In a fast-paced and safety-oriented environment, a lack of proper communication can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even safety risks. To avoid these risks, we’ll share where common communication challenges arise and dive into strategies to improve construction site communication.
<h2 id="Challenges">Common communication challenges in construction</h2>
Construction businesses are made up of many different moving parts and the chaos can create communication issues. Here are the top communication challenges that the construction industry faces:
- Unclear instructions. Because construction teams are on different job sites and changes occur frequently, it can be challenging to always keep crews in the loop on priorities and instructions. When instructions are not clearly laid out for construction workers, mistakes or project delays can occur and pose safety hazards.
- Lack of real-time updates. Often, with the nature of construction businesses, it can be hard to reach workers in real time. When construction workers are not immediately informed about project updates, this can lead to wasted time and materials. More importantly, real-time updates about changes to the construction process are necessary to keep workers safe.
- Spread-out work environment. In the wide-spread environment of construction businesses, workers are often spread out between construction sites and offices. Project mistakes can arise when there is no string of communication among spread-out workers.
- Workers are not all informed. Due to the field work environment, workers may not all be on the same page. When construction workers are missing information, this can lead to project mistakes and can create safety risks.
- No place to share feedback or report concerns. When there is no clear designated method for employees to voice their concerns or feedback, workers are less likely to speak up. This can lead to unresolved project issues and unaddressed safety risks.
<h2 id="Strategies">Strategies for better construction communication</h2>
Here are some great ways to foster better communication on construction sites.
Establish a clear communication plan
A key step towards better communication is to set a clear and structured communication plan in place. Decide specific roles and responsibilities for employees to know who is in charge of what type of communication. Establishing a clear plan for communication helps information flow smoothly and ensures your team stays updated in a timely manner.
Choose the right communication tools
Construction workers are often spread out in different locations and the majority of them are field workers. With that in mind, it’s important that communication tools don’t require the internet. This makes mobile communication, like SMS, the best option for construction businesses.
Ensure messages are clear and timely
When sending messages to construction workers, it’s important to ensure your messages are clear and sent in a timely manner. By sending updates as soon as possible and keeping messages to the point, employees can quickly read and receive information.
Hold regular meetings
Holding daily, weekly, or monthly standup meetings keeps construction workers on the same page. In-person or video-chat meetings allow your workers to get more in-depth updates. They also give your team the chance to ask questions in real-time which prevents future misunderstandings.
Establish feedback mechanisms
Especially in a safety-oriented environment, it's important that construction workers feel comfortable voicing their concerns. To encourage employee feedback, establish methods for workers to share their thoughts. For example, your construction business could send text messages with feedback forms for employees to express their concerns.
<h2 id="Tools">Best communication tools for construction sites</h2>
Here are some of the best construction site communication tools for construction businesses to use on jobsites.
Text messaging
Text messaging or SMS is a valuable communication tool for construction teams because it allows workers to communicate quickly and directly with one another. SMS platforms enable good communication between teams, individual workers, and the entire construction business. For example, workers can two-way text one another, use group messaging to keep a team updated, or mass message to reach the entire team at once. Text messaging works even in low signal areas which is crucial for construction sites. Unlike other communication apps, texting is convenient and doesn't require additional training.
While texting is great for real-time communication, SMS messages are typically limited to 160 characters, so your message must be short.
Construction project management apps
Construction project management apps are designed to help construction businesses plan out and monitor construction projects. With features such as task management, scheduling, budgeting, and documentation, these management apps improve project efficiency. The apps are usually mobile-friendly, so they are accessible on construction sites. However, project management apps may come with challenges regarding high costs, training, and complicated platforms.
Some popular project management apps include Procore, Buildertrend, and CoConstruct. Each app serves different construction types, so your business can access which app best meets your specific project needs.
Two-way radio
Two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, are commonly used in the construction industry. They provide instant communication for workers across construction sites which is essential to ensure employee safety. These radios are durable so they can work in tough environmental conditions.
While two-way radios are great for instant communication, they lack features outside of verbal communication and should be used alongside another mobile communication platform.
Collaboration platforms
Collaboration platforms are great for streamlining communication among construction workers. The group messaging features allow multiple departments to stay aligned with project updates. However, these apps are more complicated to use and less accessible than other communication strategies, like texting for example.
Some popular examples of collaboration platforms include Slack and Teams.
Each communication strategy comes with its benefits and drawbacks so it's up to your construction business to decide which strategies best suit your needs.
<h2 id="SMS">How SMS can improve construction site communication</h2>
With instant delivery and the ability to work in low-signal environments, you can’t go wrong with SMS communication. SMS platforms like Textline help construction businesses schedule staff, facilitate internal communication, and send emergency alerts.
Here are some real life scenarios of how your employees and contractors can use SMS to improve communication on construction sites.
- Job updates. Your construction business can use SMS to update your employees when a new job is starting.
- Shift scheduling. Send shift reminders to employees via SMS to improve attendance and avoid tardiness.
- Task assignments and tracking. Text your employees with assignment instructions and request their reply when they are finished to keep track of task progress.
- Emergency and safety alerts. Notify your team instantly with SMS messages about unexpected weather conditions or project changes to keep your workers safe.
- Material or equipment coordination. Text your employees with updates on the status of project equipment and materials. Update your employees on when they should expect their tools and when they arrive.
- Memos or announcements. SMS is great for sharing general announcements whether it’s regarding an upcoming meeting, training, or work event.
- Payroll updates. Use SMS to send payroll confirmations and updates to employees and streamline payment tasks.
- Contractor coordination. It’s important for construction workers to communicate instantly with contractors and subcontractors. Send messages via SMS to keep them updated on site progress and ask questions about projects to prevent issues.
Improve construction communication with Textline
When working across multiple locations with safety hazards, it’s crucial that construction businesses have instant and reliable communication with their teams. That’s why SMS is an effective communication tool for construction sites and project needs.
Textline provides businesses with all the tools they need to transform their communication. Our construction customers use Textline’s two-way texting, notification service, group messaging, and mass texting features to streamline communication on construction sites, stay aligned on project updates, and above all, keep their workers safe.
Ready to join our satisfied construction customers and enhance your communication? Request a demo or sign up for your free 14-day trial of Textline today.
