You know the importance of quality communication if you run a construction firm. Construction projects, like any project, require exceptional communication to be successful.
There are several things that can go wrong due to the complex nature of the construction industry. Project details that could get lost due to poor communication include:
If one or multiple of these details are misunderstood, it can delay projects and cost you or your clients more money. To avoid the possible reputational damages from preventable miscommunications, you should know how to set your firm up for success.
Along with the details that can get scrambled in construction, there are countless causes for miscommunication. A few of these include unclear chains of command, complicated language, language and physical barriers to communication, and technology gaps.
When you don't know who's in charge of a project, it quickly gets confusing to know who makes executive decisions. With too many cooks in the kitchen trying to lead projects, you can imagine the chaos that can ensue.
This can be mitigated through technology that helps your team assign roles and tasks clearly. Cloud communications tools can also protect information with access controls based on seniority. This can ensure the right people have the correct information, while clearly defining roles to foster harmony.
Too much industry jargon can also complicate communication. Not everyone has the same job or background, so higher-level language or varying industry terms are bound to cause confusion.
You can work around this by standardizing language across your project documents and communication channels. Cloud document management systems for construction companies are excellent solutions to standardize terminology used across your organization. It's helpful because you can set up custom folders and filing systems based on agreed-upon language to use for construction documents.
Unified communication tools also help a lot with reducing confusion on the go. Cloud technology allows workers on the jobsite to quickly ask for clarification through mobile channels and instant video conferencing or VoIP calling.
Sometimes you will have language or physical barriers that prevent details from getting across properly. Construction firms rely on communicating with workers while they are on construction sites, which makes mobile communication a must.
Other physical barriers could include noisy jobsites making phone calls difficult to hear. This makes SMS functions extremely useful for clear, real-time communication. Language barriers are another consideration, and many video conferencing and unified communications solutions offer real-time translation to assist with this issue.
When two or more parties are communicating with different channels, information is bound to be misconstrued or missed. If some employees resist new communications or project management technology while others adopt it, project details can easily fall through the cracks.
Perhaps some workers are not as tech-savvy, especially with tools that aren't too user-friendly. Some could have trouble plugging in project data or inadvertently exclude crucial details due to a lack of proper training.
These are frustrating but preventable issues, and a great way to mitigate technology gaps is by hiring qualified outsourced tech companies to assist you with your tech stack. They will help you use your chosen tools to their full potential, while streamlining workflows throughout the project lifecycle.
Look for a provider with experience implementing computer software for construction companies to ensure they're familiar with your industry needs.
Not only does poor communication lead to confusion on projects - it has real costs to your bottom line and success as a construction business. Here are some hidden costs to look out for that result from bad communication.
Project Delays - There's nothing worse than projects falling behind schedule. There are enough snags to plan for in order to complete projects on time, and miscommunications can lead to delays when things aren't done right the first time.
Wasted efforts and money - When the wrong information is relayed or perceived, workers could inadvertently waste company time and resources on errors. Wasted effort, materials, time, and money can all likewise result from poor communication.
Safety hazards - Perhaps the worst consequences of faulty communication are safety issues. Construction is already a dangerous profession, but when dangers are not properly communicated or understood, this can put your workers in harm's way.
Unhappy clients - Unhappy clients can be a primary or secondary result from sub par communication. When issues arise, you want to have clear lines of communication with your client above all else. Clients will likely become unhappy if internal communication issues cause delays or errors in projects as well.
Toxic or discriminatory work environments - When communication breaks down, tensions run high. This can create hostile work environments, leading to turnover and lower employee motivation. At times, frustrations can come out in discriminatory ways.
Because of this, you want to provide every resource possible to foster clear and professional communication.
Documentation - You'll want to document communication not only for project purposes but also to keep track of interactions in case an incident is reported. This will give you a paper trail to trace back conversations in the event of an investigation.
Most construction firms are already familiar with modern smart Internet of Things (IoT) tools to increase project efficiency, accuracy, and make informed decisions. Communication is no exception.
Unified cloud communications can help you manage projects right from mobile devices, while VoIP phone systems for construction companies can assist with on-the-go calls right from the job site. Some key features you might find include:
Don't ignore your communication needs when looking at project management software for your small construction company. The key to fostering clear, efficient, and professional synergy within your firm is offering many channels for communication to flow.
If you're interested in upgrading your firm's unified communications strategy, click the button below to speak with an experienced technician.