Is Remote Work Possible in On-Site Construction?

If there is one industry you can rely on not to give in to the remote work transition that almost every other sector is doing, it is construction. The nature of the business consists of on-site construction work, which involves mostly manual labor practices such as carpentry, masonry, welding, and more. All those operational tasks require personnel to perform them on-site, and there is currently no technological advancement capable of replicating what people can do to complete a solid and reliable structure, whether it be bridges, buildings, or stores. Even with innovative solutions like robotic process automation or machine learning, construction remains pretty much hands-on. 

Still, remote work is a breakthrough-inducing business solution that gets more and more difficult to ignore, given the many benefits it provides businesses across multiple industries. While it might not be at the forefront of a construction project’s operations, construction firms might be willing to invest in everything that could be transitioned to remote work. 

Accepting remote work for your construction company can have a lot of advantages that improve efficiency, production, and general business performance. The following are some strong arguments in favor of seeking remote work: 

Increased Flexibility: 

Remote work allows workers to select how they want to work—at home, in a coworking space, or on the go. Increased job satisfaction, a better work-life balance, and less stress from commuting can all result from this flexibility. Remote work enables workers at construction companies to modify their work schedules to meet personal and project-related obligations, which boosts morale and productivity overall. 

Cost Savings: 

The overhead expenses of operating real office spaces, such as rent, utilities, and office supplies, can be greatly decreased by working remotely. Construction companies can reduce operating costs and improve resource allocation by shifting administrative tasks to remote labor. Furthermore, workers that work remotely do not have to travel to the office, which saves money on parking and travel reimbursements in addition to transportation expenditures. 

Access to a Larger Talent Pool: 

Construction companies may hire and keep top personnel from a variety of locations thanks to remote work, which broadens the talent pool beyond physical borders. Businesses can access qualified specialists who might not be available locally by utilizing remote work agreements, which expands the depth of their workforce. Construction companies may scale their operations more successfully and compete more successfully in the market because of this access to a broader talent pool. 

Improved Productivity and Efficiency: 

Due to fewer interruptions and distractions than in traditional office settings, working remotely can result in higher productivity and efficiency. Workers have the ability to personalize work spaces that support attention and focus, which leads to better work production and quicker job completion. Furthermore, remote work encourages independence and self-discipline, enabling staff members to take responsibility for their jobs and produce outcomes more quickly. 

Business Continuity and Resilience: 

By giving construction companies the adaptability to adjust to unanticipated disruptions like natural catastrophes, public health issues, or bad weather, remote work improves business continuity and resilience. Businesses may ensure business continuity and provide clients with uninterrupted services even in the face of external problems by decentralizing operations and facilitating remote access to vital systems and information. In spite of hardship, this perseverance guarantees that building projects stay on schedule and that deadlines are fulfilled. 

Businesses, including construction firms, will be looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage. As a result, they might want to look at remote work options, even if they are primarily on-site-based operations. However, construction firms must take it slowly, starting with a few departments or personnel where experimenting with a remote work setup could work. 

Administrative work is the unsung hero that keeps things moving smoothly behind the scenes in the dynamic world of construction. It takes place across a variety of geographies and timelines. Accepting remote work for administrative positions in construction companies can lead to several advantages, such as increased productivity and flexibility, lower costs, and a better work-life balance. Construction organizations can increase efficiency and streamline operations by utilizing contemporary technologies and modifying standard administrative tasks for remote work environments. 

Of course, every construction firm is a business, with departments set up for the remote work environment like marketing, sales, client services, and IT. However, there might be a few roles specific to a construction firm that could be transitioned to a remote work setup. Here are a few of them: 

Project Scheduling Coordinator: 

In order to make sure that building projects stay on schedule and meet their milestones, the Project Scheduling Coordinator is essential. Using project management software and virtual communication technologies, this function can be easily moved to a remote work environment. With the ability to work from any location with internet access, the Project Scheduling Coordinator may effectively manage project timetables by remotely coordinating with project managers and subcontractors through a centralized digital calendar. 

Procurement Specialist: 

The Procurement Specialist is in charge of locating supplies, machinery, and other necessities for building projects. Vendor management tools and online procurement platforms might make remote work for this function possible. The Procurement Specialist can optimize procurement processes and shorten lead times using digital procurement tools to research suppliers, compare pricing, negotiate contracts, and make orders from any location. 

Accounting Clerk: 

For building projects, the accounting clerk is essential to managing payroll, invoices, and finances. Cloud-based accounting software and virtual collaboration technologies can facilitate remote work for an accounting clerk. An accounting clerk can manage financial duties remotely by digitizing financial records and automating monotonous operations like data entry and invoice processing. 

Safety Compliance Officer: 

In the construction sector, safety compliance is essential for reducing risks and guaranteeing a secure working environment for all parties involved. Remote work for Safety Compliance Officers can be made easier with the use of digital documentation systems, online training courses, and virtual safety inspections. The Safety Compliance Officer can improve safety standards while reducing physical presence on-site by performing virtual site inspections utilizing drones or video conferencing equipment. This allows the officer to monitor compliance with safety requirements remotely and provide real-time advice to on-site personnel. 

Document Control Specialist: 

Document control is essential in construction projects to guarantee the correctness, security, and accessibility of project documentation. Cloud-based document management systems and communication technologies can help the Document Control Specialist transition to a remote job. Through the use of version control methods and the digitization of project papers, drawings, and specifications, the Document Control Specialist may remotely oversee document distribution, edits, and approvals. The Document Control Specialist may also enable smooth communication and collaboration among project stakeholders while working remotely by employing virtual collaboration platforms, such as shared online workspaces and document review tools. 

Estimator: 

When it comes to estimating project expenses and creating precise bids for building projects, estimators are essential. Virtual collaboration technologies and construction estimating software can facilitate remote work for estimators. The Estimator can remotely calculate labor costs, quantify material quantities, and analyze project designs using digital takeoff and estimating software. Additionally, without having to physically be present in the office, Estimators can communicate with vendors, subcontractors, and stakeholders on the project through virtual collaboration technologies. This facilitates the sharing of project information and guarantees the accuracy of cost estimates. 

You can find many more roles specific to construction that you can try converting into a remote work setup. These are only a few to consider, but they can be enough to provide you with the proven results you need to justify more transitions. If you are going to pursue making more changes with remote work, you might want to consider another option that is sure to amplify its benefits: offshoring. 

Remote work provides construction firms with access to specialized talent not only within their country, but also the entire world. Moreover, overseas talent can be more affordable, making construction firms cost-efficient with their transition efforts. Offshoring allows businesses to pursue remote work operations while benefiting from other advantages of the business solution. Offshoring also offers 24/7 support services, including facilities, client services, and even training and development for your remote employees. This makes it a great solution if you are already considering transitioning a few pieces of your construction firm’s functions. 

If your construction firm aims to pursue remote work setups through offshoring solutions, you will have to find the right partner. iSWerk, a US-owned offshoring company based in the Philippines, offers remote offshoring solutions that focus on staffing services, recruiting affordable talent for foreign clients.  

The country is known as an offshoring hub for various industries that already have remote work capabilities. Construction, recently integrating remote work arrangements into its operations, is one of them. If you are planning to transition construction roles into remote work setups, you can set up a free consultation with us and find out how we can do it for you!