How Do You Track Labor Productivity in Construction?

Tracking labor productivity is essential if you want to reduce costs. However, with the construction industry including many diverse types of work, job site conditions, and contractor specialties, tracking labor productivity can be complex.

Nonetheless, industry researchers and practitioners have found that the use of efficient techniques and technology can potentially lead you towards more effective tracking.

Keep reading to explore how you can improve your labor productivity tracking. You can also read about some of the best labor tracking software using this link: https://gobridgit.com/blog/best-construction-labor-tracking-software/.

Why is it important to track productivity?

Here are some key takeaways regarding the significance of productivity tracking:

• Gauge efficiency and identify weak spots. Being aware of your workforce’s efficiency levels can help you take measures for improvement. Productivity tracking helps you plan out prospects and design the blueprint of your business strategy.
• Prevent time theft. According to a survey done by Robert Half International, the average office worker manages to steal more than 4 hours a week from employers. Productivity tracking can be an effective solution to this problem.
• Save time and money. Reducing the issue of time theft helps companies save on costs. Productivity tracking can also improve efficiency and productivity, as workers will be encouraged to make the most of their time.

6 ways to track labor productivity in construction

Here’s a list of 6 effective means to overcome the challenge of tracking labor productivity.

1. Measure worker productivity

Construction productivity is, in essence, the amount of output per labor hour. To measure worker productivity, you’ll need data on labor hours, materials used, and worker wages. 

Various studies suggest that you can mark out a base productivity level for a set of predefined working conditions. You can then compare that standard productivity level with your current project to determine whether it’s at a sufficient level.

Instead of maintaining traditional spreadsheets for tracking work records, the use of technology can be a game changer for measuring productivity.

2. Use time studies

Time studies indicate the overall time required to complete a particular task. Such studies are considerably helpful in construction for identifying and eliminating waste and time theft, thereby increasing productivity.

Time studies include different techniques, such as Predetermined Time Standards Systems (PTSS), data formula time standards, stopwatch time studies, expert opinions, historical data time standards, and work sampling time standards. 

These techniques let you record a distinguished task’s required performance time. To use these techniques, you’ll need a timekeeping device like a decimal minute stopwatch, computer-assisted electronic stopwatch, or videotape camera.

3. Track your working hours

It’s essential to monitor the hours of every worker to improve the productivity of your workforce. It can help you measure each worker’s real-time performance and their quality of work against their working hours. 

Tracking working hours lets you observe whether employees can achieve set goals. As productivity is all about work quality, time-tracking will potentially lead you towards identifying what’s lacking and subsequently fixing it.

4. Use a workforce management tool

Technology is a solution for nearly every problem in today’s world. Likewise, a good construction management software can manage the inconsistencies prevalent in construction by providing you with more accurate data compared to data manually entered into spreadsheets. Such tools promise the efficient coordination of workers.

You’ll find a myriad of them, such as Bridgit Bench, Timecamp, Paychex Flex, and more. 

The use of workforce management tools can lower labor costs and make staff meetings more effective. These tools function as an efficient solution for traditional issues like inaccurate data gathering, lack of communication, and miscommunication. 

5. Conduct a human resources audit

A human resources audit lets you estimate the effectiveness of your human resources strategies. In any working environment, it’s essential to enquire about working conditions and any issues that may be influencing the efficiency of workers.

An effective audit will help you discover gaps in your maintenance system that can lower productivity levels. As a result, you’ll be reducing and eliminating obstacles and saving on costs.

6. Train your workforce

At times, workers in your team may not be as skilled as you need them to be. An unskilled workforce can be the root cause of lowered productivity levels. Moreover, an incompetent worker will cost you more money in the long run. 

So to prevent excessive waste of money, materials, and valuable time, it’s necessary to provide your workforce with proper training.

Consider other factors and plan for resolution

When it comes to labor productivity tracking in construction, certain internal and external factors can affect the average productivity range. Factors such as weather, job site conditions, human inconsistency, or lack of labor or materials can be cited as some instances. However, counteracting these issues with the right methods can effectively help you overcome such challenges.