Construction Employment at Highest Level since January 2009 As Most Firms Predict They Will Add Workers in 2016, Expect Most Market Segments to Expand
Construction firms added 45,000 workers in December as the industry’s unemployment rate declined to 7.5 percent from 8.3 a year ago, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.
The Associated General Contractors of America received applications from exceptional Student Chapters across the country. Each of the Student Chapters demonstrated a strong portfolio showing dedication to their community and public service projects. Three applications in particular stood out from the others and AGC of America is happy to announce the first, second and third place winners of the 2015 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Contest:
First Place: Iowa State University, AGC Student Chapter
Second Place: Oregon State University Associated General Contractors
Third Place: California State University, Chico AGC Student Chapter
A positive work culture is key to employee well-being and will have bottom-line benefits for employers too, say Emma Seppala at Stanford University and Kim Cameron at the University of Michigan. They write in the Harvard Business Review that having a positive workplace culture increases positive emotions and well-being, improves employee relationships, increases workers' productivity and acts as a buffer against negative experiences such as stress. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model)
Caterpillar has partnered with TORC Robotics to develop the next generation of remote-control construction equipment. The new skid steers, compact track and multiterrain loaders use autonomous vehicle technology, offering the operator more stability and control. "It responds immediately. The feel and response mirrors the operator controls of the machine itself," said Bob Shoop, Caterpillar product demonstrator/instructor. TotalLandscapeCare.net
Referring to real-world experiences, the National Safety Council's Campbell Institute has issued a report on best practices for contractor management, with a focus on safety and collaboration. The recommendations pertain to all five steps in the contractor life cycle, drawing on various companies' experiences to "help other employers establish safe contract relationships that run the gamut, from delivering mail to major construction projects," said Deborah Hersman, president of the National Safety Council. EHS Today
It's important for contractors to pick their risk allocation battles wisely when negotiating contracts, writes John Kofron. "Savvy owners tend to want risk allocated to the person best able to prevent it," writes Kofron. "They can consider the limit of liability clause a deal breaker. Focus on dealing only with risks that are not caused by the construction company and therefore cannot be managed by the company." The Construction Executive Blog
Everyone related to the construction process has incentive to get the project done faster and at a lower cost – from the project owners who want to see tangible results for their investment to the contractors and designers who want to do their job well and move on to the next project. Lean Construction is based on the holistic pursuit of continuous improvements aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing value on a construction project: planning, design, construction, activation, operations, maintenance, salvaging, and recycling.
Everyone related to the construction process has incentive to get the project done faster and at a lower cost – from the project owners who want to see tangible results for their investment to the contractors and designers who want to do their job well and move on to the next project. Lean Construction is based on the holistic pursuit of continuous improvements aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing value on a construction project: planning, design, construction, activation, operations, maintenance, salvaging, and recycling.
AGCA has revamped our social media accounts adding a new student chapter Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AGCAStudentChapters/ and twitter account at @AGCA_Students. Please make sure you like, follow and share to spread the word! We hope you utilize these tools to see and share the amazing community service, projects and experiences that students are gaining from being a part of the AGC community!
The Business Development Forum Steering Committee continues to bring more BD resources and best practices to the AGC membership. A new section has been added to the Business Development Forum webpage titled Business Development Best Practices. The goal is to continue to develop this section of the website so it is your one stop for information regarding all things Business Development.