Leveraging Employee Experience in the Design-Construction Industry

Andrea Alonso, Human Resources Director, Beck Group Mexico

People are our most valuable asset. It is crucial to focus our efforts on providing an organizational culture where they can leverage their strengths and develop new technical and leadership skills. They should feel involved in the business and connected with people around them, becoming enthusiastic and committed to their work.

A report published in May 2023 by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) states that by the end of 2022, the personnel turnover rate in Mexico’s construction sector was one of the highest at 51.3 percent, followed by administrative and support services at 49.4 percent, and agriculture at 48.4 percent.

Therefore, taking action to attract and retain top talent holds significant importance on the agenda of companies dedicated to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Considering this reality, at Beck, we have prioritized the experience of our employees and their leadership journey.

Purpose-Driven Engagement

Ensuring the well-being of employees should be an unquestionable tactic, as modern HR practices recognize the interconnectedness between employee well-being and productivity. We know that promoting work-life balance, providing access to wellness resources, and prioritizing mental health support create an environment where employees feel motivated to perform at their best. A true bond starts by connecting employees’ personal purpose with the company's purpose since the early stages of recruitment and selection and continue throughout their onboarding and development journey.

By fostering a strong connection between personal and organizational purpose, Beck empowers employees to find deeper meaning and fulfillment in their work. From the initial recruitment and selection process, we emphasize the alignment of personal goals with the company's purpose. This connection is nurtured throughout their journey, including onboarding and ongoing development. Encouraging employees to reflect on how their individual purpose resonates with each strategic pillar of the organization’s ten year plan creates a sense of ownership. It enables them to redefine their commitment to the company. It reinforces their understanding of how their contributions directly impact the company's long-term success, motivating them to bring their best selves to work each day.

Empowering Growth

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, organizations are recognizing the significance of employee experience in driving performance and overall success. With employees dedicating a significant portion of their lives to work, there is a growing emphasis on creating positive and engaging work environments. This has led to the emergence of various HR trends aimed at enhancing the employee experience and maximizing their potential. A comprehensive onboarding experience survey captures the employees' initial impressions.  Employee feedback during the onboarding process helps organizations to gain valuable insights into their experience and identify areas for improvement. These surveys enable companies like ours to refine the onboarding journey, ensuring that new hires feel supported, connected, and equipped to succeed from day one.

Another strategy is to focus on continuous training and development programs. Organizations are increasingly investing in professional development opportunities that go beyond traditional skill-building exercises. They are incorporating personalized learning paths, mentoring programs, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. By nurturing employees' growth and providing them with avenues to expand their knowledge and expertise, organizations foster a culture of continuous learning and development, enhancing both employee satisfaction and performance.

Nurturing Talent, Fostering Loyalty

A key strategy for employee retention lies in fostering leadership development throughout their careers. By providing employees with opportunities to grow and advance within the organization, companies can nurture their talent, enhance their skills, and create a sense of loyalty and commitment. This approach benefits individual employees and also contributes to the organization's overall success and stability.

"Employees who feel that their organization values their growth and invests in their development are more likely to remain committed and motivated in their roles."

Leadership development programs offer employees the chance to expand their capabilities, take on new responsibilities, and develop essential leadership skills. By investing in their growth and providing a clear pathway for advancement and leadership within their roles, organizations demonstrate their commitment to the professional development of their employees.

Employees who feel that their organization values their growth and invests in their development are more likely to remain committed and motivated in their roles. By offering opportunities for advancement, organizations create a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as employees see a clear trajectory for their careers within the company. This not only reduces turnover but also helps attract high-potential talent who are seeking opportunities for long-term growth and development.

Senior Leadership Endorsement

Senior leadership's endorsement, prioritization, and effective communication of employee experience initiatives are pivotal for their successful implementation and long-term sustainability. When leaders actively support and advocate for these initiatives, it sends a clear message to the entire organization about the significance of employee experience. It demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive and engaging work environment, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and heard.

By aligning senior leadership's endorsement with the rest of the leadership team, organizations achieve consistency in their approach to employee experience. This alignment ensures that the initiatives are integrated into the broader organizational strategy and are not perceived as mere superficial gestures. When leaders across all levels consistently communicate and reinforce the importance of employee experience, it creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. Employees perceive and experience a cohesive organizational culture where their professional needs and well-being are genuinely valued, ultimately leading to higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Building Success

As the design-construction industry continues to evolve, organizations that prioritize employee experience will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. By placing people at the center of their strategies, fostering a culture of purpose and growth, and aligning personal and organizational goals, companies like Beck are poised to build highly engaged and high-performing teams that drive innovation and success. Ultimately, it is through prioritizing employee experience that organizations can create an exceptional workplace where employees thrive, organizations prosper, and the industry as a whole reaches new heights.

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