Unlocking the Power of HR Technology for Small Businesses in Manufacturing and Construction with Targeted HR Consulting

October 14, 2024

Unlocking the Power of HR Technology for Small Businesses in Manufacturing and Construction with Targeted HR Consulting

A man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk in front of a computer.

Gone are the days when only large companies could afford to use HR technology. Today, small businesses in industries like manufacturing and construction can significantly benefit from tools like HR Information Systems (HRIS) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Not only do these tools streamline administrative tasks, but they also free up time for business owners and HR teams to focus on strategic growth. According to The Workforce Institute, companies that implement HR software can increase productivity by up to 25% (The Workforce Institute).


At Targeted HR Consulting, we specialize in helping small businesses adopt and implement these technologies, ensuring your HR operations are efficient and scalable. Whether you’re automating payroll, tracking employee performance, or speeding up recruitment, we’ve got you covered.


Here’s why HR technology is a must: Imagine interviewing a candidate for a data entry role, only to find out they think “Macros” in Excel refers to something you eat! Yes, that happened. With the right HR tech in place, you can automate candidate screening, eliminating those who don’t meet the qualifications, and making sure you’re only talking to serious contenders.


Pew Research study found that using an ATS can reduce recruitment time by 50% (Pew Research). This is especially critical in industries like construction and manufacturing, where the need for skilled labor is high and hiring delays can affect productivity. By adopting the right ATS, your hiring process becomes more efficient, helping you find the right talent faster.


In addition to improving hiring, HR technology can help you manage employee data, streamline onboarding, and even enhance employee engagement. BambooHR reports that businesses using HR software see higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover (BambooHR). With these systems, your team won’t waste time on repetitive tasks, and you’ll have more visibility into critical HR metrics like retention, performance, and compliance.


So why wait? Partner with Targeted HR Consulting to unlock the full potential of HR technology for your small business. We’ll handle the tech setup, train your team, and make sure your HR processes are running like a well-oiled machine—minus the candidates who confuse computer terms with food.


By Christian Hicks February 12, 2025
Employee turnover in the construction industry is staggering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the annual turnover rate in construction hovers around 57% —one of the highest across all industries. If a company were a bar, it would be giving away free drinks for the number of people walking out the door. So why do workers leave? Better pay elsewhere (sometimes, but not always) Unclear career paths ("Is there a promotion after foreman, or do I just get a better parking spot?") Lack of training and development Burnout and safety concerns Retention Strategies That Work Build Career Ladders, Not Just Ladders Most workers don’t want to stay in the same role forever. Companies that map out clear career progression—apprentice → journeyman → foreman → superintendent → project manager—see far less turnover. Invest in Training and Upskilling A 2023 Associated Builders and Contractors report found that for every $1 invested in training, companies saw a $3 return in productivity and retention. Give workers opportunities to grow, and they’ll stay loyal. Create a Culture of Safety and Well-being Unsafe workplaces lead to high turnover. According to the National Safety Council , the cost of work-related injuries in construction exceeds $11.5 billion per year . A strong safety culture doesn’t just save lives—it saves businesses.  Retaining employees takes more than hard hats and lunch breaks. Targeted HR Consulting can help you develop career pathing programs, training strategies, and retention plans that keep your best workers on site. Contact us today!
By Christian Hicks February 12, 2025
Construction is tough. It’s physically demanding, high-pressure, and often dangerous. But while hard hats and steel-toed boots protect workers from physical hazards, there’s little protection against mental health struggles. The numbers don’t lie: The construction industry has the highest suicide rate of any profession. The CDC reports that construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Workplace stress is rampant. A 2023 study by the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) found that 83% of construction workers experience stress that affects their work and well-being. Substance abuse is a crisis. According to the National Safety Council , 15% of construction workers struggle with substance use disorders, double the national average. So why is mental health still a taboo topic on most job sites? Breaking the Stigma There’s an old-school mentality in construction that says: “Tough it out. Suck it up. Get back to work.” But this culture is costing lives. Many workers fear that admitting mental health struggles will make them look weak or jeopardize their jobs. Steps Construction Companies Can Take Make Mental Health a Leadership Priority Mental health initiatives can’t just be an afterthought. When leadership openly discusses well-being, employees feel safer seeking help. Provide Anonymous Resources Many workers don’t want to talk about their struggles face-to-face. Offering confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can provide critical support without fear of judgment. Train Managers to Spot Warning Signs Supervisors should be trained to recognize signs of distress—like withdrawal, mood swings, or increased absenteeism—and know how to offer support. Create Peer Support Networks Some of the most effective mental health programs come from within. Peer-to-peer mentoring, where workers support each other, has been shown to increase engagement and reduce stigma. Rethink Time-Off Policies Many construction workers avoid taking time off for mental health because they fear losing wages. Flexible leave policies and wellness days can make a difference. Real-World Success Stories Some companies are leading the charge in tackling mental health in construction: Turner Construction launched a company-wide initiative to make mental health part of safety meetings. Skanska implemented a 24/7 mental health helpline for employees and their families. Sundt Construction created a "buddy system" to ensure workers always have someone to talk to.  Mental health is just as important as physical safety. If you want to build a culture where workers thrive, Targeted HR Consulting can help you integrate mental health resources into your HR strategy. Contact us today to start making mental well-being a priority in your company.