Employee retention and motivation have become key challenges in the construction industry. To understand how companies can better assess their employees for promotions and pay increases, we surveyed 150 construction professionals—and the results reveal some valuable insights.
What Matters Most to Construction Candidates?
Our survey uncovered four key factors that candidates believe should drive decisions around promotions and salary increases:
- Contributions to Team Success (45%)
Nearly half of the candidates surveyed highlighted that their direct contributions to the success of their team should be the main factor in how they’re assessed. Candidates want to know that their hard work and impact on the business are recognised and rewarded. - Based on Clear KPIs and Metrics (43%)
Setting clear, measurable performance goals matters. 43% of candidates want to be assessed based on defined KPIs and metrics, ensuring that expectations are clear and the evaluation process is objective. - Feedback from Peers and Managers (8%)
While less influential than performance and contribution, peer and manager feedback still plays a role. Employees value knowing that their colleagues and leaders recognise their work and effort. - Loyalty and Length of Service (4%)
Interestingly, only 4% of candidates felt that loyalty and tenure should be a major factor in promotions or pay increases. This shows a shift toward performance-based recognition rather than relying on seniority alone.
What This Means for Employers
Understanding how employees want to be assessed can significantly improve retention and motivation. Here’s how companies can adapt:
- Focus on recognising individual contributions to the success of the business.
- Set clear and measurable performance targets to create a fair and transparent evaluation process.
- Encourage regular feedback from peers and managers to support professional growth.
- While loyalty matters, don’t overlook the importance of performance and contribution when making decisions about promotions and pay.
Are You Measuring What Matters?
Promotions and pay increases should reflect the value employees bring to the business—not just how long they’ve been there. If you’re looking to build a more motivated and engaged construction team, focusing on performance and growth opportunities is the key. At Humres, we specialise in helping construction companies find and retain top talent. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you build a stronger, more engaged team.