In any industry, people perform their best when they feel valued — but in construction, where teamwork, trust, and safety are everything, that feeling of value carries even more weight.
To understand what really drives engagement and satisfaction, we asked over 300 construction professionals one simple question:
“What makes you feel valued in your role?” Here’s what they told us:
- Recognition for hard work – 49%
- Involvement in decisions – 33%
- Training and upskilling – 12%
- Regular feedback – 6%
1. Recognition is everything
Almost half of all respondents said that being recognised for their hard work is what makes them feel most valued at work.
In a high-pressure, project-driven industry like construction, small moments of appreciation can make a huge difference.
Recognition doesn’t have to mean bonuses or grand gestures – often, it’s as simple as acknowledging effort, celebrating milestones, or saying thank you for a job well done.
When employees feel seen, they’re more motivated, engaged, and loyal to the business.
2. Inclusion builds trust
33% of construction professionals said being involved in decisions is what makes them feel valued.
That’s a clear sign that collaboration and transparency go hand in hand with job satisfaction.
When site teams, engineers, and office staff are part of the decision-making process, they feel ownership over outcomes — and that sense of ownership is key to building trust and accountability.
3. Growth still matters
While training and upskilling ranked lower at 12%, it remains an essential part of employee engagement in construction.
Professionals want to see a future with their employer — whether that’s career progression, technical development, or gaining new qualifications.
Companies that invest in skill development don’t just build stronger teams — they future-proof their workforce.
4. Feedback: the quiet motivator
Only 6% listed regular feedback as their top motivator, but that doesn’t make it less important.
In many cases, feedback loops are built into construction workflows — but making them meaningful and personal can enhance engagement even further.
Consistent, constructive communication helps employees understand their impact and where they stand — a foundation for both growth and performance.
Key takeaway
Our findings highlight something simple but powerful: feeling valued isn’t about pay alone — it’s about recognition, involvement, and connection.
For construction employers, these insights are a reminder that engagement starts with everyday actions.
When teams feel appreciated and included, productivity rises, retention improves, and culture strengthens — creating the kind of environment people want to stay in.
Looking to build a stronger team?
At Humres, we help construction businesses find and retain the right people – professionals who not only have the skills but also fit your culture.
Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how we can help you attract and keep top talent in today’s competitive market.