There’s been a recent surge in technology investment in the industry, with an estimated $50 billion invested in AEC technology between 2020 to 2022, 85 percent higher than the previous three years. It makes sense that more construction businesses would turn to technology during this time, given the landscape of the pandemic which exacerbated the effects of the qualified worker shortage and caused new challenges in the supply chain, project timelines, and employee health and wellness. Businesses are increasingly having to find ways to do more with less, and technology is the best way to accomplish this.
However, simply investing in new technology is not enough. A full digital transformation requires a shift in mindset. Businesses with a tech-forward culture will thrive, while those who are slower to adopt new technology will struggle to compete. Let’s take a look at what a tech-forward culture looks like and how you can begin to cultivate one.
What Does a Tech-Forward Culture Look Like?
With so many competing priorities in the fast-paced environment of construction, it can be easy to fall into a rhythm of doing things the way you’ve always done them. Change can be hard, but it is necessary to grow. Businesses with tech-forward cultures understand this and are constantly examining their processes and technologies to ensure they’re optimizing their business operations. They’re willing to try new things and adopt new technologies to help them reach their business goals. Technology is embedded in their daily workflows, boosting communication, efficiency, and project outcomes.
Cultivating a Tech-Forward Culture
How do you get there? To cultivate a tech-forward culture, you have to get your people on board. However, this is often easier said than done. In the 2024 AGC and Sage Construction Hiring and Business Outlook, 41 percent of contractors surveyed cited employee resistance to technology as one of their top IT challenges. Fortunately, businesses can help combat this resistance by taking steps to create a culture that embraces new technology. Here are several ways businesses can begin shifting their business culture:
- Get Commitment from Leadership: Cultivating a tech-forward culture begins at the top. Company leaders must demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to adopting technology. When leaders embrace technology, it sets an example for the entire organization.
- Encourage Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to provide feedback and suggestions regarding the adoption of new technologies. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and increases the likelihood that they will use the solutions.
- Create Tech Advocates: Identify individuals within the organization who are enthusiastic about technology. These tech advocates can act as influencers and help their peers understand the benefits of the new tools.
- Measure and Showcase Impact: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of technology on project outcomes, efficiency, and other relevant metrics. Regularly showcase positive results to reinforce the value of technology.
- Celebrate Success Stories: Acknowledge and celebrate successful technology adoption stories within the organization. This can help create a positive narrative around technology and motivate others to follow suit.
Make Training a Priority
It is critical to build training into the implementation process and offer ongoing training and skills development. Teams cannot embrace technology if they don’t know how to use it.
Conclusion
Businesses with tech-forward cultures benefit from increased automation, collaboration, and efficiency, helping them to deliver project excellence for their clients. It can also serve as a competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent. Technology is pervasive in our world and the next generation of the workforce are drawn to companies that are utilizing the latest technological advancements and are open to the possibilities that lie ahead.