The construction industry is no stranger to change. Whether it’s adapting to new regulations, integrating emerging technologies, or meeting evolving client demands, staying competitive requires continuous transformation. This was the focal point of a recent NUCA (National Utility Contractors Association) webinar, sponsored by Assignar, which dove deep into the nuances of change management in construction.
Here, we summarize key takeaways from the webinar, featuring insights from experts like Nikki Morrison, Carl Lyles, Billy Bishop, Sheila Sharma, and JJ Koski.
Why Change Management Matters in Construction
Change is both inevitable and essential. Nikki Morrison, leading the webinar, emphasized how disruptions, whether regulatory shifts or market demands, are constant forces in the construction world. Companies must cultivate a change-ready culture to remain agile and competitive.
Carl Lyles, Director of Business Strategy at Lee Machinery Movers, highlighted a compelling perspective: “There are risks and costs to any program of action, but they are far less than the long-term risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” His team chose to embrace change to improve productivity, harness data for decision-making, and stay ahead of competitors. His words underline an important truth: change isn’t comfortable, but it’s necessary for growth.
Overcoming Common Challenges
The panel explored common barriers to change, from resistance among employees to fears of technology adoption. Here’s how they suggested addressing these obstacles:
1. Resistance to New Processes or Technology
Employees often resist change due to fear of disrupting established routines. As Sheila Sharma noted, success comes when leaders actively explain why the change is necessary and how it benefits individuals. A humorous anecdote from Sheila revealed a worker reluctant to adopt a time-tracking app—until it was pointed out that he used dating apps, which were far more complex!
2. Fear of Failure
Previous unsuccessful changes can make teams hesitant. JJ Koski advised framing change as a collaborative journey with milestones and celebrating small wins to build trust and momentum. “Change isn’t an overnight transformation—it’s about incremental improvements,” JJ explained.
3. Skill Gaps and Tech-Savviness
Concerns about whether teams are “tech-savvy enough” were addressed by Carl Lyles, who noted that solutions like Assignar are designed to cater to diverse levels of expertise. Assignar’s tools, for example, simplify complex tasks, reducing errors and making processes more efficient for everyone, from field workers to office staff.
Building a Change-Ready Culture
The panel shared actionable strategies for fostering a culture that embraces change:
- Lead with Positivity: Leaders set the tone. Enthusiasm and alignment across leadership are crucial for building trust and buy-in.
- Empower Stakeholders: Involve employees early in the process to give them ownership. Their input during planning and implementation can drive better outcomes.
- Communicate Clearly and Frequently: Explain the “why” behind every decision. Open channels for feedback and provide regular updates to keep everyone aligned.
- Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge both small wins and major milestones to maintain morale and show progress.
The Role of Technology in Change Management
Technology plays a vital role in transforming construction operations. Assignar’s platform, for instance, simplifies scheduling, time tracking, and asset management, enabling teams to transition away from manual processes like spreadsheets.
One case study shared during the webinar illustrated how a company moved from using Google Sheets for scheduling to Assignar’s platform. This change eliminated errors like double-booking equipment and allowed for better tracking of resources. The result? Increased productivity and reduced costs.
Tangible Results from Change
As companies progress through change management, Assignar’s customers report immediate and long-term benefits:
- Improved Communication: Faster feedback loops between the field and office reduce delays and errors.
- Enhanced Productivity: Automating scheduling and time tracking frees up hours that can be reinvested in revenue-generating activities.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Centralized data enables better decision-making, improving project outcomes and profitability.
Key Takeaways for Success
The webinar concluded with practical advice for companies embarking on their change journey:
- Plan Strategically: Define clear goals, involve your team early, and set milestones.
- Communicate the Vision: Explain the value of change to every stakeholder, emphasizing individual and organizational benefits.
- Adopt Incrementally: Start small, celebrate quick wins, and gradually expand adoption.
- Leverage Tools Wisely: Choose technology that aligns with your team’s needs and enhances efficiency without overwhelming users.
As Nikki Morrison aptly summarized, “Change is a journey.” For construction companies, that journey requires leadership, collaboration, and the right tools to succeed. With the insights shared by the NUCA and Assignar team, organizations are better equipped to navigate the complexities of change management and emerge stronger, more efficient, and ready for the future. Be sure to check out the on-demand webinar today!
About Assignar
Assignar is a leading operations and workforce management platform designed for the construction industry. Its cloud-based solution helps contractors improve productivity, compliance, and safety by streamlining scheduling, resource management, and data collection. Assignar enables contractors to manage field operations more effectively, gain actionable insights, and deliver projects on time. Learn more at assignar.com.
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