14 Benefits You Can Offer to Attract Top Construction Talent

Due to a shrinking talent pool and a noticeable skills gap in the construction industry, employers face a growing challenge in hiring construction workers. As of June 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a mere 3.3% unemployment rate in the sector, highlighting the difficulty companies face in hiring qualified workers. 

Employers must offer comprehensive incentives to draw top talent and keep their current workforce satisfied. Providing the right perks can make a significant difference in appealing to today’s construction professionals. From health and life insurance to paid sick and vacation time, these construction employee benefits can help employers stand out in the competitive job market and maintain a highly skilled team.

Why Offering Benefits Is Essential in Construction

Construction is a risky business for various reasons. Injuries are common; in its Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, the BLS reported that a shocking 1,056 construction and extraction workers were killed on the job in 2022. 

But the risk of injury and death isn’t the only reason attracting workers to the construction industry can be difficult:

• Construction can be a seasonal occupation, depending on the climate and other factors.
• A construction company’s schedule may vary from week to week – or even day to day. 
• Overtime is common.
• Construction is hard work. Many workers spend several hours walking, standing, lifting heavy objects, and bending.

Unsurprisingly, a competitive benefits package can improve your construction recruiting. For new and existing employees alike, offering excellent benefits can tip the scale in the employer’s favor. 

In an April 2024 study, Economist Impact found that 70% of U.S. workers would be willing to change jobs for a better benefits package. That’s why, now that construction hiring is already challenging, employers must offer top-notch benefits to attract new workers and keep their existing ones.

Benefits to Consider Offering

Offering a variety of valuable benefits can set your company apart. Here are some top construction worker benefits that can help you attract and retain a skilled workforce.

1. Private Medical Insurance

Private medical insurance provides access to essential healthcare services for employees, their spouses, and their children. This should include same-sex spouses and domestic partners to support an LGBTQ-friendly workplace. 

Mental health coverage is critical to include in your construction company’s health benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate among males in the construction industry was nearly double the national average in 2021. Offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a benefit illustrates that you care about your workers’ mental health and well-being.

2. Voluntary Benefits

There are several benefits your company can offer on an entirely voluntary basis.

Dental/Vision Insurance

Dental and vision insurance are attractive perks, especially if you extend the benefits to your workers’ families. These plans are typically affordable and, optionally, can include extras like orthodontic care and laser vision correction. 

Life Insurance

Life insurance provides financial security for an employee’s family in the event of their death. In a benefits package, it offers peace of mind and protection for your employees’ loved ones.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance protects employees’ income if they can’t work due to illness or injury. Consider offering the following types of disability insurance:

• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage 

3. Retirement or Pension Plan

A retirement plan with employer-matching contributions helps workers save for their future, making it a highly valued benefit. Providing a thorough retirement plan shows that you care about your employees’ long-term financial security.

4. Paid Time Off

Paid leave, including sick days, personal days, vacation time, and paid holidays, allows your employees to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This benefit is essential for job satisfaction and overall well-being.

5. Tax-Advantaged Spending, Saving, and Retirement Programs

Another smart addition to any benefits package, tax-advantaged accounts save employees money on taxes with deductible contributions, tax-deferred or tax-exempt earnings, or tax-free withdrawals. 

Some examples of tax-advantaged accounts include:

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Health reimbursement accounts (HRAs)
• Health savings accounts (HSAs)
• 401(k) retirement plans
• 529 college savings plans

These accounts help workers stretch their income while also giving them tax advantages.

6. Parental and Family Leave

Providing leave for birth, adoption, and other family needs supports employees during significant life events, nurturing loyalty and demonstrating your commitment to their personal lives.

7. Education Assistance or Tuition Reimbursement

Education assistance, tuition reimbursement, or student loan repayment benefits help employees further their education and develop their skills. By supporting your workers’ professional growth and development, you can build a more knowledgeable and capable workforce.

8. Childcare Benefits

Childcare benefits, such as childcare subsidies or on-site daycare, alleviate the stress of securing – and paying for – reliable childcare. This can significantly improve work-life balance and increase job satisfaction for employees with young children.

iHireConstruction: Built for Your Industry

Start Hiring

9. New Technology

Investing in modern technology attracts younger talent, especially millennials and Gen Z applicants. Cutting-edge tools and equipment can make the job easier and more efficient, which appeals to tech-savvy workers.

10. Transportation Benefits

To ease the burden of travel costs, consider offering transportation benefits such as:

• Company vehicles
• Parking passes
• Public transit passes
• Gas cards
• Paid commute options

Perks like these can make a significant difference in an employee’s daily routine.

11. Paid Mobile Phone

Providing a paid mobile phone helps your employees stay connected and productive. It’s a practical benefit that supports both their work and their personal communication needs.

12. Wellness Programs

Wellness programs, including gym memberships, wellness challenges, smoking cessation programs, and health screenings, promote a healthy lifestyle. These initiatives show you care about your employees’ health and happiness.

13. Financial Incentives

To motivate employees and recognize their hard work, you can offer financial incentives such as:

• Performance bonuses
• Safety incentives
• Holiday bonuses
• Employee discounts
• Reward programs
• Free meals
• Gift cards 

These rewards can boost morale and productivity.

14. Benefits for Back-Office Staff

Providing the same benefits package to both your back-office staff and your on-site workers makes all your employees feel valued and supported, promoting a unified and motivated workforce.

Building a Strong Foundation With Benefits

Offering a comprehensive benefits package is vital in construction hiring, making your company a more attractive and supportive workplace. Considering these diverse benefits demonstrates a commitment to your employees’ well-being and future. A strong benefits package attracts highly skilled talent and fosters a positive work environment that helps you retain valuable workers. 

For more guidance on hiring, retention, and beyond, check out iHire’s Employer Resource Center.