From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter, and expectations are higher. In this environment, contractors cannot afford to lose good talent.

That is why onboarding matters more than ever. An effective onboarding program does more than welcome a new hire; it sets the tone for their future, builds confidence, and demonstrates that the company values their contribution. Done right, it can mean the difference between an employee who leaves within a few months and one who stays for years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), the construction industry continues to rank among the highest in employee turnover. Each worker who leaves costs a company an average of $11,500, not counting the disruption to projects and team morale. Only 53 percent of construction workers stay with the same employer beyond two years, and nearly 40 percent of new hires leave within their first 90 days. At the start of 2025, there were still 236,000 open positions across the industry, showing just how competitive the market has become.

Despite these challenges, we must treat every new hire as a potential long-term team member. Remember, you’re building a lasting relationship where their success directly contributes to yours. That’s when onboarding becomes a powerful tool. It is not just about paperwork or orientation, but about making new hires feel connected, valued, and equipped to succeed. Preparation even starts before the employee’s first day.

The Pre-Onboarding Foundation

The success of a hire begins before their first day. Two elements make a big difference.

First, validate skills through comprehensive paid skills assessments to maximize the likelihood that you’ve hired the right candidate rather than relying solely on interviews or resumes. For field roles requiring specialized trades, hands-on tests are crucial. For example, having masonry foremen build a brick or block wall (these are masonry materials) in your yard is an excellent way to validate skills and demonstrate expertise. These tests reveal technical ability, attention to detail, and workmanship.

Every trade should have practical evaluations tailored to its standards.

Office roles should test job-specific tasks, such as accountants completing QuickBooks assessments. Hybrid positions like sales executives can be evaluated through project scenarios that require workflow breakdowns, labor hour estimates, and materials lists. Assessments must be challenging enough to reflect real job demands. Using examples from difficult past projects provides the best benchmark.

But pre-onboarding is not only about testing. It is also about discovery. By identifying each person’s strengths from day one, companies gain insights into where new hires can contribute most effectively. Someone may excel in technical execution, while another might shine in organization or communication. Knowing this early helps leaders assign the right responsibilities, foster stronger collaboration, and build healthier work relationships. In short, pre-onboarding is both a tool for preparation and a foundation for team synergy.

But onboarding cannot stop at assessment. Once you know what someone can do, the next step is to give them a clear structure for how they will grow in the role.

Clear KPIs and Mentorship System

A comprehensive 30, 60, 90-day roadmap is essential before onboarding begins. This plan should outline expectations, responsibilities, and milestones for the first three months. Having it ready demonstrates professionalism and respect for the new hire, while also providing a clear path to success from day one.

High-performing employees need clear standards. Defining KPIs allows new hires to track their progress and understand exactly what success looks like. Transparency in metrics reduces uncertainty and builds motivation.

For example, a masonry apprentice might have KPIs tied to learning and applying three core techniques within the first 30 days, such as mixing mortar, tooling joints, acid washing, and proper brick cleaning and alignment. A project manager, on the other hand, might be measured by submitting accurate weekly progress reports and project schedules on time, coordinating at least two successful subcontractor meetings within their first month. An estimator could have a KPI focused on producing three bid proposals each week for a total three-dimensional track against their 90-day period.

Pairing each new hire with a mentor also makes integration smoother. Ideally, the mentor should be at the same level but not the direct supervisor. This encourages open communication without fear of judgment. In construction, where hands-on experience matters most, mentors can pass down practical knowledge that is rarely documented but essential for success.

Once expectations are set and a support system is in place, the next step is to focus on the employee’s early experience, especially during the first week.

Check In Early, Check In Often

The first week sets the tone for the entire relationship. Begin with a “communication check” to confirm all channels and logins work properly and that the employee has every necessary tool. Make expectations about communication frequency clear, and schedule weekly manager meetings to review goals. Remember, “communicate early, communicate often” should guide the process. Regular check-ins prevent small issues from becoming major problems.

The week should follow a structured plan. Start with HR formalities like document review and handbook orientation, then move to introductions, team announcements, or a welcome lunch.

Beyond logistics, the first week is also about making employees feel genuinely valued. Surveys show that the top reasons employees leave include insufficient pay (38 percent), lack of development opportunities (27 percent), poor working conditions (25 percent), and ineffective onboarding (21 percent). Addressing these issues starts early, and even small actions can make a difference.

One effective practice is offering a small but thoughtful welcome gift on the first day. You should know the new hire well enough through the hiring process to personalize the gesture, which makes it feel more authentic. This simple act reinforces that the company sees them as more than just a worker; it shows appreciation and builds early loyalty.

Authenticity is key. A gift should never feel like a gimmick but rather a true reflection of company culture. Yes, even in today’s economy, small investments in people matter.

After the first week, onboarding should not stop. The program needs to continue in a structured way that builds confidence step by step.

Prepare Strategically: A Ship Without Direction Drifts Aimlessly

Breaking onboarding into weekly phases allows employees to gradually absorb information without overload. In construction, this is especially important for learning safety protocols and quality standards.

With 80 to 90 percent of construction companies reporting hiring difficulties, adopting this structured framework can give employers an edge. Preparation, phased training, mentorship, and consistent check-ins are not just theory; they are proven strategies. I have seen companies turn retention problems around by applying these methods and building long-term, reliable teams one successful hire at a time.

But onboarding is about more than just keeping people. It is about raising the bar for the entire construction industry. When companies invest in people, treat them with respect, and provide the tools to succeed, the impact goes beyond retention. It creates safer job sites, stronger project outcomes, and a culture that attracts the next generation of builders. Every contractor who commits to thoughtful onboarding is not only strengthening their own business but also helping to elevate the industry as a whole.

References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, July). Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). https://www.bls.gov/jlt/

original article written by Matt DiBara with photos provided by DiBara Masonry and courtesy of MASONRY Magazine and curated by the MCAA

A new K-12 school brings relief to its community—whether alleviating crowding or offering a beacon of opportunity and advancement. Designing schools with manufactured stone veneer offers a number of advantages that can help education projects look and perform their best while meeting some of the unique challenges they may face.

Advantages of Manufactured Stone Veneer for Schools

Manufactured stone’s versatility in design and installation makes it an ideal option for both the exterior and interior of school projects.

• Authentic design, accessible format: Stone adds an instant level of beauty and elegance to a building, and manufactured stone delivers those styles at a cost that is typically lower than natural stone. And with a vast array of profiles and colors, nearly any look is within reach without the limitations of geography. For more traditional-style schools, MSV brick patterns offer classic authenticity.

In addition, MSV can be used on both interiors and exteriors, making it easy to carry over design elements and maintain a consistent design aesthetic.

• Durability: Inside, schools teeming with children face high traffic and often raucous behavior. Outside, they must deal with the same harsh weather as other commercial buildings. As a cement-based material, manufactured stone veneer is durable, long-lasting, and, depending on the product, often carries high wind- and fire-resistance ratings. And should a piece get damaged, it’s easier to replicate and replace because it’s a manufactured product versus natural quarried options that may no longer be available or in a matching color.

• Efficient installation: Schools under construction or under renovation are often under tight time constraints. Manufactured stone is lighter in weight than natural stone and typically requires less cutting to fit, so it’s a practical option for creating stone looks with greater efficiency.  

• Biophilic design: Biophilic design infuses elements such as plants and daylight into interior spaces to increase connections with nature and the world outside, thereby enhancing our health and wellness.  “Classrooms that utilize biophilic design enhance student creativity and support overall healthier development due to our biologically encoded connection to nature,” the Green Building Alliance says.

Manufactured stone veneer is one of many ways to increase biophilic design in schools, adding natural elements, texture, and warmth. (Learn more about MSV and biophilia in our blog “3 Strategies for Infusing Biophilic Design into Your Projects.”)

Education Projects Using Manufactured Stone Veneer

Options abound for designing schools using manufactured stone. Here are a few examples to get your design ideas flowing:

This library features Eldorado Stone’s Manzanita Cliffstone and Cambria Cliffstone as an accent wall at the entrance lobby and for the fun kid’s area shown here, adding a touch of warmth while elevating the outdoor theme.

Echelon Masonry’s Lamina Artisan Stone was chosen, along with brick and metal, to help this elementary blend in with its natural surroundings while also transitioning easily to the interior. “The plan also incorporated generous windows throughout the facility, allowing for a harmonious connection between indoors and outdoors, making the balance of materials essential,” Echelon says.

This elementary school, a 95,000-square-foot new construction build, features Jewell manufactured stone on the exterior façade. 

Want to learn more about the possibilities of manufactured stone veneer? Visit our MSV page here.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is produced in a variety of different patterns, colors, and styles to fit regional design trends and personal design aesthetics. This diversity of looks provides tremendous design flexibility.

While everything manufacturer is different and offers its own unique selection of styles and colors, there is some general overlap in the types of profiles and colors. This stone veneer style guide outlines different stone veneer profile types to highlight the unique elements that can add a timeless touch to your next residential or commercial project.

Stone Veneer Profile Styles

Manufactured stone veneer adds an earthly elegance to projects while oftentimes providing a cost-saving option for the property owner due to its durability, long life cycle, and high return on investment. Whether you are considering stone veneer for an interior or exterior project, the array of dimensions, textures, and colors will add an eye-catching element to any design.

• Traditional stone veneer mimics the look of natural stone, with rugged edges and weather faced textures for a rustic look and feel. Traditional stone veneer profiles, such as Ledgestone, feature a mix of shapes and sizes for a classic look reminiscent of 18th and 19th century stone homes. The charm of traditional-style stone veneer stands the test of time and is perfect both as an accent or the main attraction.
• Modern stone veneer is often characterized by clean, straight lines with a symmetrical surface area, so it is the ideal choice for a sleek, bold, or minimalistic aesthetic. Modern stone veneer is most commonly offered in cool-toned color palettes, such as neutral whites and sleek greys, to complement the hues often seen in contemporary designs.
• Eccentric stone veneer colors and textures add an eye-catching element to facades and interior walls. The large, organic shapes create a stand-out focal point that can also be used to highlight spaces such as fireplaces, grills, or entryways for an impactful first impression.
• Thin brick veneer provides a classic brick look without the intense labor or added weight. Although thin brick works well for traditional- and classic-style homes, its vast color range and available edge profiles make it easy to adapt to any aesthetic – including modern.

Stone Veneer Colors

Just as important as the profile itself is the color of the stone veneer. The structural design of the building and surrounding environment can impact your stone veneer color selection. Warmer tones such as burnt ambers and elegant oranges are best suited for rustic and traditional-style designs for a cozier appearance, while cool, darker tones are ideal for bold and modern aesthetics.

Stone veneer color trends can also vary based upon the region of the country where you are building. In the Southwest, for example, cream-colored hues dominate the landscape thanks to its similarity to Texas limestone. In the Northeast, warmer tones that are reminiscent of the traditional stone homes of early settlers tend to be the selection of choice.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

On the exterior of the home, protecting the building envelope from water penetration is essential to the structure’s long-term performance. When installing manufactured stone veneer, it’s important to follow both manufacturer instructions and local codes for weatherization requirements in the form of rainscreens and water-resistant barriers (WRBs).

CMHA offers full installation guidelines in its Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide. Here are the guidelines to consider when it comes to WRBs and rainscreens.

Rainscreens and Manufactured Stone Veneer

Rainscreens are optional building techniques used to improve the drainage of incidental water behind the cladding and reduce drying time. Rainscreen products (such as drainage mats or formed polymer sheeting) or construction techniques (such as strapping or furring) that create a capillary break/air space between the cladding and the water resistive barrier can be effectively incorporated into AMSV applications. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for rainscreen/drainage system applications with adhered manufactured stone veneer wall systems.

Building codes may allow a single layer of a water-resistant barrier when a drainage space is incorporated in the wall system (i.e. rainscreen). Based on the 2021 International Building Code, when a drainage space is required, the space/material provided must be at least 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) applied to the exterior side of the WRB. Further, the WRB used behind the drainage space must provide a water resistance equal to or greater to that provided by materials that comply with ASTM E2556 Type 2. Local jurisdictions may have different requirements for drainage space size.

Requirements for rainscreens vary by region. Verify local jurisdictional requirements regarding the use and application of rainscreens and/or drainage products.

Water Resistive Barriers and Manufactured Stone Veneer

For installations over light frame construction, where a water-resistant barrier (WRB) is required, it should be installed in two separate layers in shingle fashion, starting from the bottom of the wall. The inner layer of the WRB (herein referred to as the Primary WRB) should be installed, along with flashings, to create a drainage plane. The outer layer of WRB (herein referred to as the Secondary WRB) is intended to keep the scratch coat from contacting the Primary WRB.

For WRB materials complying with ASTM D226, the upper layer of the WRB should lap on top of the lower layer by a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm), and the vertical joints should be lapped a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm). Refer to the WRB manufacturer’s information for lapping requirements for other WRBs. Inside and outside corners must be overlapped a minimum of 16 inches (406 mm) past the corner in both directions.

The WRB should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and be integrated with all flashing accessories, adjacent WRBs, doors, windows, penetrations, and cladding transitions.

Acceptable WRBs:

• No. 15 felt complying with ASTM D226 Type 1.

• ASTM E2556 Type I or II

• Approved equal in accordance with the building code.

Other approved materials must be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as detailed in compliance reports. The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional materials that may be suitable as a WRB if they include documentation of compliance with the referenced acceptance criteria:

• Materials evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC38.

• Liquid-applied materials evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC212 (for use as Primary WRB only)

• Pre-coated sheathing evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC310 (for use as Primary WRB only)

• It is permitted to use only a primary WRB between cement board and the substrate.

• As discussed in the “Rainscreen Drainage Plane Systems”, building codes may allow a single layer of a WRB to be used when a drainage space is incorporated in the wall system. Requirements for the rainscreens vary by region. Verify with the local jurisdictional requirements regarding the use an application of rainscreens. Refer to Figures 35-38 for details on such construction method.

• When transitioning to another cladding, refer to the applicable building code requirements for WRB behind that specific cladding system. Despite the number of layers required for the non-AMSV cladding, there must be two (2) layers of WRB present behind the AMSV.

• Some types of continuous insulation may be substituted for the Primary WRB provided it is installed and sealed and/or taped in accordance with the insulation manufacturer’s installation instructions and approved for such applications. Continuous insulation is commonly applied on the exterior side of the framing or on the exterior side of sheathing, runs continuously, and has minimal thermal bridging. Ensure WRB(s) selected are approved for wall applications. Some WRBs intended for roofs are not appropriate for walls. For example, 15-pound felt is not the same product as No. 15 felt. For details of this practice, please refer to the continuous insulation figures shown throughout the figures section of this guide.

Installation Resources

For full guidelines on preparing walls for manufactured stone veneer, download CMHA’s Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association