Powering Up Productivity

Improving productivity is one of construction's biggest challenges. While Eurostat output data shows promise, the industry faces ongoing battles with skills and materials shortages, equipment failures and inefficient working practices.

To better understand these challenges, MILWAUKEE® commissioned independent research involving 3,200 construction professionals across 14 European countries. The findings reveal where productivity is being lost and the practical steps that can help site teams work more efficiently. Download the Powering Up Productivity whitepaper or read on to discover the key insights.

• Poorly equipped teams and material shortages were the most frequently cited causes of lost productivity, each highlighted by 37% of construction professionals.

• 85% of workers reported losing time every week due to equipment faults and breakages.

• Nearly 60% of respondents felt they had received insufficient training around tools, equipment and PPE.

• More than half (54%) said lighter, portable, battery-powered equipment could improve efficiency on site.

• Small improvements in productivity could significantly reduce future labour pressures across Europe's construction industry.

Construction plays a major role in the European economy, contributing around 9% of EU GDP. Yet productivity growth has historically lagged behind other sectors.

MILWAUKEE® research identifies four recurring barriers that continue to impact performance on site:

• Poorly equipped teams (37%)

• Lack of materials and resources (37%)

• Skills deficits (30%)

• Health, safety and workplace comfort challenges (17%)

These issues point towards a common challenge: site teams often lack the resources and support needed to work at their full potential. Addressing these snags is vital as the industry works to deliver ambitious housing and infrastructure projects across the continent.

One of the clearest findings from the research is the impact that unreliable equipment can have on productivity.

• 92% of respondents believed higher-quality tools would help them work more efficiently.

• 85% reported losing time every week because of equipment faults and breakages, adding up to several hours per individual and much more across workforces.

The solution is a simple one. Investing in durable, application-specific tools minimises downtime and gives workers the confidence to perform at their best.

Technology alone cannot solve productivity challenges, however. The whitepaper found that:

• Almost half of construction professionals had received only 'some training' on using tools, equipment and PPE.

• Nearly 60% felt overall training provision was insufficient.

• 42% said they would benefit from more guidance on the correct use of tools on site.

This skills gap has important implications for productivity and safety. Workers who are properly trained complete tasks more efficiently and avoid costly mistakes or rework.

As construction firms look to overcome labour shortages, improving competence through practical training and education will unlock efficiency gains and create safer working environments.

When asked what would improve efficiency on site, 54% of respondents identified lighter, portable equipment as a key solution. Cordless technology can help reduce many of the everyday frustrations associated with traditional equipment.

Benefits include:

• Greater mobility around the job site

• Fewer interruptions caused by cables, generators or fuel requirements

• Faster setup times

Reduced worker fatigue through improved ergonomics MILWAUKEE® continues to invest in cordless innovation across its M12™, M18™ and MX FUEL™ platforms, replacing outdated equipment with high-performance battery-powered alternatives. As the whitepaper details, selecting tools that are purpose-built for specialist applications promises to boost work rate and precision significantly.

The goal isn't just to work faster. The whitepaper highlights the growing role of smart technologies such as ONE-KEY™, enabling businesses to manage inventory, track equipment, monitor usage and reduce downtime caused by lost or unavailable tools.

Musculoskeletal disorders also remain a significant concern across the construction sector, sadly affecting around 60% of workers. Purpose-built ergonomic tools, combined with reliable servicing and PPE and expert support, can reduce unnecessary fatigue and strain to build more resilient workflows.

The research shows there are practical steps businesses can take today to tackle the productivity challenge, focused around:

1. Better and smarter tools, technology and PPE

2. Improved training and expert support

3. Safer, more efficient workflows

The opportunity is substantial. Even minor increases in productivity could reduce the need for millions of additional workers across Europe, helping the industry meet future demand more effectively.