Starting a new role is a big decision – and for many construction professionals, it doesn’t always go as planned. We asked over 300 candidates in the construction industry a simple but important question:
“What’s the main reason you’d leave a company within the first year?”
The results shed light on the key areas that make or break early retention:
Top 4 Reasons Construction Professionals Leave in Year One
1. Role Didn’t Match Expectations – 37%
The biggest driver of early exits? Mismatched expectations. Over a third of respondents said they’d walk if the role they stepped into wasn’t what they were sold during the hiring process. This highlights the importance of transparent job descriptions, clear onboarding, and open communication from day one.
2. Poor Work-Life Balance – 25%
A quarter of candidates cited poor work-life balance as a deal-breaker. Long hours, unclear boundaries, or lack of flexibility can quickly lead to burnout. Companies that prioritise wellbeing and balance are more likely to retain talent beyond that first critical year.
3. No Support from Management – 21%
Support from leadership is key—especially in the early stages of a new role. Candidates said lack of guidance, feedback, or recognition from management made them feel disconnected and disengaged. Consistent support helps build confidence and encourages long-term loyalty.
4. Limited Growth Potential – 17%
Even in the first year, candidates are thinking ahead. If there’s no clear path to grow or progress, motivation fades. Employees want to see a future in your company—career development plans and internal mobility can make all the difference.
What This Means for Employers
If you’re struggling with first-year attrition, these insights offer a clear path forward:
- Be transparent about the role, team, and expectations.
- Invest in onboarding and management support.
- Promote balance and flexibility where possible.
- Offer visibility into growth opportunities from the start.
Early retention starts with setting the right foundation. At Humres, we work closely with both candidates and employers to make sure expectations align from the very beginning. Need help hiring construction talent that sticks? Get in touch with us.