5 reasons to hire foreign construction workers inside the EU

Improvements to infrastructure as well as green energy initiatives as well as a rising number of people, the sector has seen a rise in initiatives across the globe. This is a great sign for development and economic growth. There’s however a major problem with this optimistic image: the labor shortage.

Construction across many EU countries is confronted with an acute deficit of skilled workers. This isn’t something new however the present growth has only exacerbated the problem. The causes of this problem are a bit nebulous:

• The workforce is aging
  A lot of skilled construction workers are approaching the age of retirement, which leaves gaps in their expertise.
• The lack of talent among the younger generation
  It’s not always thought of as appealing to the younger generation, leading to an improvement in the number of new hires.
• Specialization in talent
  Contemporary construction requires specialized abilities for areas such as green energy and sustainable construction methods that might not be easily found in our workforce.

The labor shortage could stop the development boom. The construction projects could be delayed as costs rise and the progress of important infrastructure projects might be put at risk. But what’s the answer? This is where hiring foreign construction workers inside the EU, such as from Poland, can be a good idea. For hiring Polish workers such as welders, carpenters, and more for the Scandinavian market, visit www.work4best.se.

Utilizing foreign construction workers, the construction industry will be able to solve this problem and thrive. This talent collection with different skill sets will warrant that projects are executed quickly and definitely.

Reasons to hire foreign construction workers inside EU

1. Filling skill gaps – A ready pool of construction workers already accustomed to the EU standards

The boom in construction across the EU does not just mean that you can build more, it’s about building in a different way. Sustainable infrastructures, green energy construction, and intricate reconstruction projects require specialist knowledge which aren’t accessible across all the member states. Foreign construction workers inside the EU help bridge this gap through their experience in areas such as:

• Renewable energy construction
  While countries like Germany and Denmark lead in renewable technologies, they can sometimes face shortages of skilled laborers to implement projects. Polish workers with experience in industrial welding, wind turbines, solar panel installation, and energy-efficient building techniques can help provide the needed workforce to keep these initiatives on track.
• Historic restoration
  European cities are home to historic structures which require extensive restoration work. Foreign construction workers working in nations with a rich history of preservation of the past (e.g., Poland, Italy) have specialized talent using techniques such as stained-glass restoration, stone masonry and historic building restoration.

Here are a few instances. Through leveraging the different skills of foreign construction workers inside the EU, firms are able to assure that they are hiring the best workers for their job whatever the project’s particular requirements.

2. Increased construction project flexibility – A wider talent palette

Hiring Polish workers provides European construction firms with access to a broader talent pool, significantly enhancing project flexibility. This diverse skill set allows companies to adapt more readily to new trends and methods in the construction sector. For instance:

• Prefabricated construction
  Polish workers bring extensive experience with prefabricated construction techniques, a method highly valued for its speed and efficiency. In Scandinavia, where prefabrication is increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, Polish expertise can be particularly beneficial. Their skills help streamline production processes and improve the overall quality of construction projects. 
• Modular construction
  Similar to prefabrication, modular construction involves assembling sections of a building off-site before installation. This method is gaining traction in Scandinavian and European countries for its ability to reduce construction time and minimize on-site challenges. Polish construction workers, familiar with advanced modular techniques, can provide invaluable support to firms looking to enhance their capabilities in this area. 
• Building information modeling (BIM)
  BIM technology, which facilitates the digital representation and management of physical and functional characteristics of places, is another area where Polish workers excel. Given their familiarity with BIM, they can help European construction firms integrate this technology into their operations. This adoption leads to improved collaboration across various construction phases, enhancing project management and operational efficiency.

Access to various construction methods allows firms to undertake more demanding and challenging projects, thereby making for a more vibrant and competitive construction market throughout the EU.

3. Cultural exchange – A spark of creativity from Polish workers

Integrating Polish construction workers brings a valuable cultural exchange and injects creativity into construction projects. This diversity not only enhances techniques but also introduces innovative solutions to various construction challenges.

• Material innovation
  Polish workers can introduce novel construction materials or methods that are sustainable and cost-effective, yet underutilized in their host countries. For instance, they might bring expertise in using eco-friendly materials that contribute to more sustainable building practices.
• Safety practices
  Drawing from a broad range of international safety standards, Polish workers can introduce enhanced safety protocols that improve the overall safety landscape. An example could be implementing a more effective fall arrest system, different from those typically used, thereby increasing safety on construction sites.
• Problem-solving techniques
  The varied cultural backgrounds and experiences of Polish workers enable them to approach construction problems from unique perspectives. This diversity can lead to more innovative and economically sound solutions, optimizing project outcomes.

The cross-pollinating of ideas not solely pays off in improved results for projects, but it also keeps the European construction industry on the top of innovation globally. Having a bigger quantity of talented overseas construction workers within the EU can benefit the industry in general.

4. Streamlining the hiring process – EU liberty of movement

The freedom of movement within the European Union offers substantial benefits for construction firms seeking to hire foreign workers:

• Reduced bureaucracy
  EU legislation simplifies the recruitment process by eliminating the need for visas and work permits for workers from within the EU. This reduction in administrative hurdles allows companies to focus on finding the right candidates quickly and efficiently.
• Faster hiring process
  The streamlined administrative processes ensure quicker recruitment, crucial for construction projects where timely completion depends on the rapid availability of skilled workers. This expedited hiring process helps maintain project timelines and reduce delays.
• Cost efficiency
  Hiring within the EU often results in lower management and administrative costs compared to bringing in workers from outside the EU. This cost-effectiveness makes it easier for companies to manage budgets while still accessing a skilled workforce.

While some local administrative procedures may still be required, such as registration with local authorities or obtaining social security numbers, these are generally less cumbersome than securing work permits for non-EU citizens.

5. The European Union is building a better workforce

The integration of foreign construction workers within the EU not only fills immediate labor gaps but also brings long-term benefits:

• Knowledge transfer
  The interaction between foreign and local workers facilitates the sharing of expertise and techniques, enhancing the skill levels of the entire workforce. This exchange fosters a more knowledgeable and adaptable construction sector.
• Multilingual workforce
  A team capable of communicating in multiple languages enhances coordination on international projects, reducing misunderstandings and improving overall project efficiency.
• Enhanced employer branding
  Companies that embrace workforce diversity are more attractive to top-tier talent from across the EU. This reputation for inclusivity helps attract and retain highly skilled workers, enriching the talent pool.

Embrace foreign talent – Hire industry and construction workers from inside the EU

The ongoing growth in the EU construction sector faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled labor. However, this can be effectively addressed by harnessing the potential of foreign construction workers within the EU. These workers bring a host of benefits, from filling skill gaps and increasing project flexibility to fostering innovation and simplifying the hiring process. Ultimately, they contribute to building a more robust and efficient European construction industry.

Companies aiming to close the labor gap should leverage this valuable resource, supported by tools like the EU Commission website, the EURES portal, and local employment agencies. By embracing diversity and promoting collaboration, the EU construction industry can maximize its potential and secure its status as a leading global market.

Want more information? Read Nordic Industry’s article about hiring European workers.