In an effort to help attract a more diverse workforce, four of the biggest contractors in the United Kingdom are looking into what might seem like a revolutionary idea: flexible hours for construction workers.
Spearheaded by London-based consultant Timewise, four firms will run on-site pilots to test ways of redesigning frontline jobs and shifts to enable more flexible working opportunities. Skanska UK, Bam Construct, Bam Nuttall and Willmott Dixon will work with Timewise experts to trial new ways to structure and manage shifts for site roles that have traditionally been seen as impossible to manage flexibly.
The project will focus on frontline, onsite jobs that traditionally have not been considered appropriate for adaptable hours and explore how contractors can design roles with flexibility built-in, such as new ways of structuring and managing shifts. Insights from the 16-month trial will be shared by trade association Build UK in an effort to tackle the industry’s reputation for long hours, attract a more diverse talent pool and improve mental health.