It may seem counterintuitive at first, but the traditionally hands-on construction industry is becoming increasingly remote-friendly. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the development of software such as workforce planning and management tools like Bridgit, played a key role in driving this trend. For administrative, management, and other office roles, remote work benefits both employees and employers.

Understanding Remote Construction Project Management

Can you manage construction projects remotely? Remote construction management involves overseeing projects from off-site locations using digital tools and technology. With the right combination of technology and training, you can manage construction projects remotely. While the construction industry is highly hands-on, with most work being completed on-site, some roles can be performed either completely remotely or in a hybrid environment.

Job Title	How Remote Work Can Be Accomplished
Project Manager	Use cloud-based project management software for tracking progress, scheduling, and resource allocation; virtual meetings for communication.
Estimator	Use digital estimating tools and software to perform cost analysis and budgeting; collaborate with teams via online platforms.
Scheduler	Utilize scheduling software to create and manage project timelines; coordinate with teams through virtual communication tools.
Site Engineer	Perform remote monitoring of site activities using drones and remote sensing technology; virtual inspections via video calls.
Architect	Use CAD software for designing and reviewing plans; collaborate with stakeholders through virtual meetings and file sharing.
Civil Engineer	Conduct remote site analysis using geographic information systems (GIS) and data analysis tools; virtual consultations with teams.
BIM (Building Information Modeling) Specialist	Use BIM software to create and manage digital models of construction projects; coordinate design changes through cloud platforms.
Procurement Manager	Use e-procurement platforms for sourcing and purchasing materials; communicate with suppliers and vendors via email and video calls.
Safety Manager	Monitor compliance through remote access to safety data and reports; conduct virtual safety training and audits.
Quality Assurance Inspector	Use remote inspection technologies such as 360-degree cameras and drones; review quality documentation and reports online.
Document Controller	Manage project documentation using cloud-based document management systems; ensure version control and accessibility remotely.
Contract Administrator	Oversee contract execution using digital contract management software; communicate contract terms and updates through virtual meetings.
Human Resources Manager	Handle recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations using digital HR platforms; conduct interviews and meetings remotely.
IT Support Specialist	Provide technical support to remote teams through remote desktop access and online communication tools.
Environmental Consultant	Use remote sensing data and environmental monitoring tools; provide assessments and recommendations via virtual consultations.
Finance Manager	Use financial software for budgeting and financial analysis; communicate with stakeholders through virtual meetings and reports.

Remote Work Trends in Construction

What is influencing the rise of remote work in construction? COVID-19 forced the construction industry to adopt remote work to avoid massive losses in productivity. Beyond the immediate impact of the pandemic, remote work has become a lasting feature in the construction industry, influenced by trends such as:

• Digital collaboration tools
• Remote project management
• Increased adoption of hybrid work models
• Cloud-based systems

Digital collaboration tools

The industry has embraced cloud-based collaboration tools to enable real-time communication and remote management of construction projects. Tools like Bridgit offer mobile apps and browser-based platforms to keep workers connected. This capability facilitates continuous communication between job sites and office personnel, whether they are at their desks in headquarters or working from home.

Remote project management

Project management tools have been crucial in enabling the construction industry to embrace remote work. Previously, the challenge was maintaining visibility and managing job sites without physical presence. Now, office workers and field staff can communicate via project management apps to ensure smooth operations.

Increased adoption of hybrid work models

Given the on-site nature of construction work, it is understandable why the construction industry has not adopted remote work at the same rate as other industries. However, from 2019 to 2021, the number of construction employees working remotely rose slightly from 8.01% to 10.16%. While this pace of adoption seems slow, it is significant for an industry requiring most staff to work on-site.

Cloud-based systems

Innovations in cloud-based systems have allowed the construction industry to benefit from improved collaboration, project management, and workforce management. These systems also enable office workers to support their teams in hybrid or fully remote work environments. Training employees on the effective use of these tools benefits everyone in construction and enables flexibility in workplace location.

Benefits of Remote Work in Construction Management

Integrating remote or hybrid work into your organization offers several benefits:

• Cost Savings: Remote work can reduce expenses associated with maintaining physical office spaces and on-site facilities. It also decreases travel and commuting costs for both employers and employees.
• Access to more talent: Companies with a remote-friendly workforce can access top talent from a wider geographic area, bringing in diverse skills and expertise.
• Increased productivity: Both remote and hybrid work policies have been proven to increase productivity by reducing commuting times and the likelihood of taking days off due to minor illnesses.
• Improved work-life balance: Remote employees often report higher satisfaction with work-life balance and are less likely to burn out.
• Resilience and adaptability: As the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, responding to situations in real-time is key to maintaining business continuity.

Challenges of Remote Work in Construction

The transition to remote or hybrid work in the construction industry presents benefits and challenges. To address these challenges, construction companies need to invest in appropriate digital tools and internal training. Let’s take a closer look at common challenges and how companies can overcome them:

• Technology limitations
• Miscommunication
• Productivity Tracking
• Maintaining Team Cohesion
• Balancing Autonomy and Accountability

Technology limitations

Companies may face two limitations when introducing remote work to their employees. The first is access to reliable internet connectivity. While company headquarters or offices typically have modern internet accessibility, remote employees may not always have the best internet. The same goes for on-site staff, where network access may be limited or obstructed.

The second limitation is that companies need to ensure they have up-to-date hardware and software to enable remote work. Hardware that has worked well in a purely on-site environment may not have the capability to run software or support reliable internet connectivity. This is likely not a major issue, as many software developers, like Bridgit, have made significant investments to ensure applications are accessible on mobile devices.

Solution

If your company is looking to invest in remote workers, it is wise to audit your existing technology and evaluate whether team members have the necessary hardware and software. This might involve purchasing new laptops, software licenses, and setting up mobile hotspots at job sites for reliable connectivity.

Miscommunication

The construction industry has traditionally relied on face-to-face interactions for communication. Switching some staff to remote work increases the risk of misunderstandings and misinterpretations. These miscommunications can lead to downstream impacts such as project delays, inefficiencies, or decreased employee satisfaction. Remote work represents a cultural shift for many in the industry, so careful consideration is required.

Solution

Establish clear communication protocols, such as regular virtual meetings, and encourage consistent use of collaboration platforms. Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams are useful for keeping everyone informed and aligned. It is also important to set up open channels for feedback and discussion about the process. Tweaking and refining your communication process over time will ensure everyone is on the same page and reduce miscommunications.

Productivity Tracking

Without direct supervision, it can be challenging for managers to accurately gauge workforce productivity. Studies, such as this one from Stanford, show that remote workers are often more productive than their office counterparts, but the misconception persists. Tracking workforce productivity is a top concern for construction companies weighing the pros and cons of remote work.

Solution

Embracing remote work requires both a cultural shift and the adoption of the right technology. Software tools that provide real-time performance metrics, task completion, and time tracking are effective solutions for companies concerned with maintaining or improving productivity. At the same time, it is important for managers and organizations to set clear expectations and accountability measures to prevent issues.

Maintaining Team Cohesion

In an industry where camaraderie is built in person on job sites, maintaining team cohesion when segments of your workforce are working remotely can be challenging. Team bonds are a strategic advantage, and it would be a mistake to let remote or hybrid working environments affect them. Working remotely can lead to loneliness and a sense of isolation, so it is imperative that organizations have a plan to offset this challenge.

Solution

Team-building activities—both in person and online—are proven strategies to help individuals feel like they belong. Digital platforms can encourage collaboration and communication. Informal communications through apps like Slack can help team members engage in “watercooler” talk that fosters a sense of belonging.

Balancing Autonomy and Accountability

There is a balance to be found between giving remote workers autonomy and holding them accountable. This can be a significant challenge, involving overcoming personal bias against remote work or just ironing out a process that works for everyone. It is easy to get a sense of how “hard” someone is working when you see them daily, but this perception can be skewed by the visibility of individuals in the office environment and may overlook long lunches or desk-side conversations.

Solution

It is critical to set expectations and goals for each team member. By conducting regular performance reviews, you can maintain accountability while giving employees the opportunity to improve their performance. Self-discipline is a skill, and many remote workers take time to adjust to new work conditions. A grace period that accounts for this transition may help everyone adapt to remote or hybrid work. Training and support are also effective options for ensuring remote employees are set up for success.

Technology is the Key to Remote Work in Construction Management

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment where embracing remote work is no longer a temporary solution but a strategic advantage. The key to this shift is adopting technology—from project management and communication tools to workforce planning software. These tools are essential for maintaining a strategic advantage, even if your team does not fully embrace remote work.

The modern need for flexibility and scalability means that using technology tools is essential for maintaining workforce productivity, keeping project costs low, and completing construction projects on time. Bridgit is at the forefront of this technological shift and enables construction companies to plan workflows, forecast labor needs, and gain unparalleled visibility into workforce activities. Talk to an expert today to see how Bridgit is helping companies just like yours.