How Disruptive Technology Will Shape The Future of Construction

Blog-June 9, 2023

There are two stories to be told about the construction industry in 2023.

The first paints a painful picture of the future. From supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages to the ongoing mental health crisis, firms face an uphill battle to stay productive and meet their sustainability targets. Leaders point to the rising cost of materials (46%) and higher fuel costs (29%)¹, while some experts predict a drop in the number of projects starting throughout 2023.²

The second story, however, is decidedly more positive – and that is because it focuses on the potential of disruptive technology. From innovative new planning models and data-driven project management to mobile welfare units using hybrid power to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, technology promises a more efficient, productive and sustainable future for the industry. Mckinsey reports that investments in construction tech have increased 85% in recent years.³

That’s why events like Plantworx 2023 are so important

Between 13-15  June, the UK’s construction leaders will come together to explore the most exciting and disruptive technologies on offer. Welfare Hire will be present, showcasing our innovative mobile welfare units and tower lights

Here are three things we hope attendees takeaway:

1. Technology is the key to sustainability

Our mobile welfare units use technology to dramatically reduce their environmental impact. Our most advanced units run on 100% solar power, using a lithium battery as a backup capable of powering the entire unit – as well as a smart telemetry system to ensure maximum energy efficiency. The result? Carbon emissions are reduced, service intervals are longer and your site pushes that bit closer to net zero.

2. Worker wellbeing needs innovation

Construction’s workplace mental health problems are well documented, but few project managers consider innovation a part of the solution. Our range of mobile welfare units demonstrate why they should: with 20% extra space, comfortable seating and better wash facilities, a small investment in innovation has a huge impact on employee morale and wellbeing.

3. Partnerships are vital for true disruption

A recent Deloitte report captured this point perfectly: while Research and Development (R&D) spending from leading construction firms has risen 77% in the last decade, it is through strategic partnerships – working closely with the right suppliers – that drives lasting change in the construction industry.

As a leading provider of strategic equipment to the UK’s construction industry, we at Welfare Hire take the responsibility to aid transformation seriously. From investing in new technologies to helping our partners get more from their mobile welfare units and tower lights, we put innovation at the heart of everything we do.

We can’t wait to show every Plantworx attendee what that means.

1.https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/plant-equipment-supplies-news/rising-cost-of-materials-biggest-challenge-2023-uk-builders/119172/#:~:text=The%20top%20five%20challenges%20for,25%25%20%E2%80%93%20getting%20hold%20of%20materials
2.https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/supply-chain/outlook-bleak-for-construction-in-2023-03-11-2022/
3. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/from-start-up-to-scale-up-accelerating-growth-in-construction-technology
4. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-next-normal-in-construction-how-disruption-is-reshaping-the-worlds-largest-ecosystem
5. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-next-normal-in-construction-how-disruption-is-reshaping-the-worlds-largest-ecosystem