The Mobile Workforce Podcast By FOUNDATION Software

In the latest episode of the Mobile Workforce Podcast, host Mike Merrill welcomes Dr. Anirban Basu, a prominent economist known for his engaging analysis of economic trends, particularly in the construction sector. The discussion provides valuable insights into how current economic conditions, such as consumer spending trends and government policies, are shaping the construction industry.
Key Takeaways:
- The continuous influence of consumer spending and federal spending
- Predictions for the construction industry's growth amidst economic challenges
- Practical strategies for businesses to prepare for future economic shifts
"The transformation of the economy, you know data centers, medical facilities, infrastructure, obviously the electrical grid, all of these things are being transformed and they create demand for contractor services.”
When preparing for potential economic changes, it’s crucial to reduce labor costs and improve project management. WorkMax’s construction time tracking and productivity management software allows you to do just that by connecting information from the field and office to provide you with real-time insights into workforce efficiency and project progress.
https://workmax.com/workmax-employee-time-tracking/
https://workmax.com/insight-productivity-management/
 
 
Struggling to navigate the unpredictable economic currents? Anirban Basu brings clarity to the complexities!
Join host Mike Merrill and renowned economist Anirban Basu as they do a deep dive into the state of the economy, particularly focusing on the construction industry. Anirban shares his expert insights on consumer behavior, federal spending, and economic predictions, offering valuable strategies for staying afloat in turbulent times.
As we navigate a landscape of high interest rates and inflation, understanding the underlying economic dynamics is crucial. Dr. Basu explains how despite high interest rates and inflation, consumer behavior remains strong, supported by significant federal spending and transformational projects like infrastructure enhancements.
“The consumer, who is much of the economy, has continued to spend despite high interest rates,” Dr. Basu said. “Right now, the economy has so much job creation, so many job openings, you have to think the consumer is going to continue to spend through the summer and into the fall. But the consumer cannot continue to borrow this way. It’s not sustainable.” 
Dr. Basu offers a deep dive into how these factors are influencing the construction industry and presents actionable advice for businesses looking to weather potential downturns. Additionally, he addresses the critical challenge of replacing the aging workforce with skilled labor, emphasizing the role of education and policy in shaping future opportunities. Tune in to understand the economic forces at play and how they might affect you and your business.
 
 

Are you looking for steps to adapt to evolving workforce demands? Discover transformative strategies in our latest podcast episode.
Join Mike Merrill and renowned human relations expert Brent Kudzierski as they explore evolving workforce management trends to help you improve workplace productivity while attracting and retaining employees.
"Every generation reshapes the workforce based on their experiences. Right now, we're shifting from living to work to working to live. Understanding and adapting to this change is key to future success."  - Brent
 
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace technology to improve safety and efficiency.
- Shift from work-life balance to prioritizing life.
- Engage and value employees to boost productivity.
 
In order to keep their companies competitive, construction professionals have to stay ahead of the evolving trends in workforce management. In this podcast, Brent discusses the historical shifts from efficiency-focused practices to modern, post-pandemic approaches that prioritize worker well-being and life outside of work.
Brent and Mike give advice on how to deal with the shift from traditional management theories to the current model that emphasizes work-life balance. One of the common tools they highlight to help implement this change is through the use of technology.
"Technology should support, not replace, human workers,” Brent said.
Construction technology can create, track and store crucial information. Employers can use this technology, oftentimes in the form of a software, to build their safety programs and track compliance, manage productivity, deadlines and much more.
See how WorkMax's construction time tracking and productivity management software can help you revolutionize your workforce management. With WorkMax, you can connect information from the field and office to provide you with real-time insights into workforce efficiency and project progress.
 https://workmax.com/workmax-employee-time-tracking/
https://workmax.com/insight-productivity-management/

Wondering how to balance tradition and modernization in your family business?
 
In this episode, Matt DiBara of DiBara Masonry shares how integrating modern technology has revitalized their century-old masonry business, making it more efficient and competitive.
 
Key Takeaways:
Balancing tradition with innovation
Empowering employees through tech
Planning for future growth with AI
Use technology to minimize site visits
 
"My big pressure was always how can we innovate? And I started really taking over the business right around 2008 and I was petrified by what I saw with companies go out of business... And so I became obsessed with how do I modernize this business" - Matt DiBara
 
Matt DiBara was able to keep the culture of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay through the use of construction technology. While many business owners fear a negative impact on their workforce from technology, DiBara Masonry has embraced it by combining technology with its family-based guiding principles. In doing this, Matt was able to empower his workforce while retaining the culture, helping his business grow.
 
Matt discusses the difference construction estimating software has had on his workforce. With their increased operational efficiencies, they have become more competitive and taken their company to the next level by limiting time-consuming site visits and letting his employees take ownership through state-of-the-art software.
 
The EDGE is the most robust construction estimating software for commercial contractors, takeoff professionals, and construction estimators.


 

Overwhelmed with payroll every busy season? We've got the solution. Join Mike Merrill as he chats with Jim Welsh, a construction payroll expert, who shares invaluable advice on preparing your payroll system for the busy season. Discover why now is the perfect time to streamline your processes.  
Key Takeaways:
- Seasonal preparation tips
- Importance of software integrations
- The right timing for system updates
"This is the time of year to really analyze your payroll and look back at some of the painful points of the previous year. Technology and the right processes can turn a traditionally hectic time into a period of smooth operation." - Jim Welch
The episode opens with a discussion on the natural cyclical nature of construction and the varying employee counts that come with it. Welsh advises companies to use the quieter months to analyze past payroll challenges and to adopt technology solutions tailored to their specific needs. He emphasizes the importance of timing when implementing new systems, suggesting the off-season as ideal. Through the conversation, it becomes clear that delaying the adoption of modern payroll solutions only prolongs inefficiency and potential non-compliance issues. Welsh stresses that while the transition may seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial effort. The talk concludes with a call to action for companies to proactively seek out and implement payroll technologies that align with the unique demands of the construction industry, ensuring smoother operations and a focus on growth during the peak season.
Payroll4Construction is a complete construction-specific payroll service that offers everything from free construction reporting and union tracking to multi-state processing and complete tax filing. You submit the time, we do the rest. https://www.payroll4construction.com/

Are you doing enough to protect your workers and avoid OSHA citations?
 
Join Mike Merrill as he sits down with attorney Mike Pascoe, an expert in OSHA compliance, to discuss the evolving landscape of construction safety. Dive into a world where technology, training, and proactive planning become your best defense against workplace hazards and OSHA violations.
 
**Key Takeaways:**
- Explore the influence political changes have on OSHA's priorities
- Learn how to enhance safety through integrated technology
- Understand the importance of consistent training and planning.
 
"Technology has taken away the excuse of not knowing or responding to safety incidents." - Mike Pascoe
Make safety a priority on your job site by discussing hazards and safe work practices with SafetyHQ's customizable toolbox talks. 

 
Overwhelmed by payroll and inaccurate reports? Discover the game-changer, mobile time tracking.
 
Join host Mike Merrill and construction time tracking expert Ron Craft as they explore the revolutionary benefits of digital time tracking in construction. Learn how this technology can streamline your processes, improve accuracy, and save substantial amounts of money.
 
Key Takeaways:
     -Learn the top benefits of time tracking technology:
     - Streamline payroll
     - Eliminate unauthorized overtime
     - Enhance job visibility
     - Improve compliance and safety
 
"You know... all these guys, I mean they're out in the field, they're heads down, they're working hard but they don't know if they're winning or losing, right? But if you give them a mobile app where it shows them in real time job progress and productivity and they're able to see." - Ron Craft
 
At WorkMax, we know how complacency can cause a business to stagnate. With INSIGHT, you get construction productivity tracking that allows stakeholders to see real-time productivity data that ensures you're on a continued path for growth.