From top to bottom, there’s a lot of communication needs in every construction project. Whether the architect is trying to communicate with the homeowner or the electrician is trying to communicate with the plumber, clarity can quickly turn to chaos without established construction site communication systems.
Clear communication is essential in every industry, but in construction, it’s a completely different ballgame. Even the most minor communication issues can derail an entire project when left unchecked. No matter what part you play on a construction site, we’ll provide you with simple tips for eliminating communication issues in the workplace.
Why Does Communication Matter in the Construction World?
It goes without saying that there’s a lot of moving parts in the world of construction. But what’s even more challenging is that communication isn’t just between employees on site – it also includes those who may not be present.
Part of the communication process on a construction team is understanding the role of each person and building relationships with other members of the team. However, when messages get misinterpreted or missed, it can lead to costly delays or mistakes. According to surveys, poor communication is the cause of 48-52% of rework in construction projects. This leads to over 31 billion dollars in unnecessary costs every year.
A successful construction project is like a well-oiled machine – but the only way communication can become this seamless is through an effective construction communication system.
Keeping Communication Clear on the Job Site
Whether you’re a general contractor or you’re the supervisor of a construction project, you’re likely looking for ways to keep communication clear on the job site. The quality of communication not only impacts the effectiveness of the project, but it also reflects on your career and reputation.
If you’ve struggled with communication in the workplace in the past or you’re not sure where to start, the good news is that communication skills can be developed, and many practical tools can help improve communication. Even if you haven’t established a system before, you can still put one in place to improve communication from start to finish.
Here are some of the best ways to keep communication clear and open during a construction project.
1. Give Everyone a Role
Every construction project needs to have a clear chain of command – and every worker needs to be aware of it. One of the biggest mishaps when it comes to construction communication is a lack of clarity in the chain of command. If workers don’t know who to communicate with, it’s going to lead to delays and confusion.
Before your project even begins, it’s important to communicate what role each person plays and ensure everyone knows exactly who to go to when there’s an issue. It can be as simple as having a list or spreadsheet with contact information and roles for each person, so there’s something for employees to reference.
2. Keep Communication Consistent
In some situations, supervisors are concerned about overcommunicating with their team. It’s true that too many messages coming through, especially ones that aren’t relevant, can be overwhelming for workers. However, communication has to be consistent for it to be effective.
As a contractor or supervisor, remember that listening is part of communication, not just talking. When you’re communicating with your team, allow them to respond and provide feedback as well.
3. When In Doubt, Clarify
Nothing can derail a construction project faster than a miscommunication. Even issues that may seem minor can quickly become a big deal. It’s essential to be direct and clear in your communication.
It’s common for workers in any industry to use jargon to communicate with their teammates. During a construction project, this can cause confusion when others don’t pick up on the meaning. To keep communication clear, avoid jargon and clarify if necessary.
If your team is communicating over two-way radios, here’s our list of the most common walkie talkie lingo, to help keep conversations professional.
4. Choose the Right Communication System
Even though communication on the job can be complex at times, it can also be simplified by having a clear system to communicate with other team members. Many construction teams choose two-way radios to communicate because they include simple, but necessary, features such as push-to-talk and noise suppression to keep communication consistent.
What works best for one team may not be what works best for another. Consider what features, such as real-time language translation, may be most beneficial for your team before choosing the right solution.
Features to Look for in Construction Site Communication Systems
As a professional in the construction industry, you have unique communication needs that require a reliable communication device. While many construction workers and contractors use traditional two-way radios, walkie-talkies, or other similar devices, any system you choose must have the right features.
Simple features such as extended battery life or a digital display can make day-to-day operations much smoother.
Here are some of the top features to look for in a radio or other construction site communication systems:
- Push-to-talk for ease of use
- Long battery life to keep your team connected during extended shifts
- Loud audio with background noise suppression
- Location tracking for safety and efficiency
- Reliable connectivity that extends nationwide
It’s also vital to consider the downside of traditional solutions and how that might impact your team, such as radio interference or the need for additional infrastructure like Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch Systems (CTCSS).
Eliminate Construction Communication Issues With Relay
When it comes to features that construction workers and supervisors need, Relay’s smart radio has you covered. Designed with frontline workers in mind, our communication devices keep you connected with your team, even across job sites.
With features such as indoor and outdoor location tracking, long-lasting battery life over 18-24 hours, up to 1,000 channels, and additional safety features like a panic button for lone workers, we make communication simpler, and safer, for everyone.
Relay devices utilize multiple networks simultaneously to avoid connection interruptions and eliminate language barriers with real-time translation features on every device. With TeamTranslate, every team member can set a preferred language so their messages are translated in real-time. Reducing those common miscommunications!
No matter what type of construction project you’re working on, our reliable communication devices bridge the gap between individual workers, teams, and supervisors. If you’re ready to see how Relay can make your communication seamless, book a one-on-one demo with our team today.
