As Homagic has observed years ago, the construction industry of most countries is facing a serious problem: Labor shortages.
Over the past decade, the construction industry in the world has struggled to keep up with rising demands while the number of skilled workers has dwindled. A variety of factors have contributed to the dwindling construction workforce, including:
1. Older workers leaving the workforce
2. Trade schools receiving less attention than their white-collar counterparts
3. Younger workers migrating to industries that offer remote work
Modular construction can help.
Let’s look at the different ways that modular construction methods can help solve construction labour shortages.
1. A Centralized Building Location
Traditional builds have problems when building in remote areas. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and others need to pack and may have to walk miles to reach the construction site. Modular construction is done primarily in a factory environment, usually in locations where labour resources are more concentrated. Rather than finding workers in remote areas or spending the extra money to transport workers, opt for modular buildings that are transported to the site once completed.
2. Simplified Automated Processes
A traditional construction site is like a wildcard, where changes can happen at any time. Weather conditions may cause long delays. All of these factors can create chaos for small teams affected by labour shortages. Modular factories are different. Processes are simplified and automated, making it easier to reduce labour costs and deliver high-quality builds with fewer people. Weather-related delays are completely eliminated, meaning smaller teams won't have to make up for lost time or overwork to meet tight deadlines.
3. Create A Better Environment for Workers
Modular construction helps create a better environment for workers and has the potential to attract new workers to the industry. By assembling the building in a controlled environment, many delays and last-minute changes can be avoided. This means more typical working hours for employees, a problem often encountered by workers on traditional construction sites. Modularity can also provide a safer working environment due to the predictability of factory work. Processes are rigorously tested and outlined for workers to ensure safety is always a top priority.
Modular Can Help Alleviate the Cost of Labor Shortages
Modular buildings already offer many benefits over traditional buildings, from greater cost predictability to speed to occupancy. The ability to overcome construction labour shortages is one such benefit. Modular architecture can make it work where traditional buildings have succumbed to a lack of workers. Thanks to automated and streamlined processes, the whole modular approach can help companies do more with fewer people. There are several ways to the construction labour shortage, from promoting a safer work environment to spending more time promoting trade programs. However, these efforts will take time. At the same time, modular construction is an immediate and fast effective solution to help solve the labour crisis and provide quality construction for the future.