How to Keep Your Best Workers on Long Projects Away From Home

Losing a skilled worker mid-project costs between £5,000-£15,000 when you factor in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. On long away-from-home projects, turnover can reach 30-40% if welfare isn't managed properly.

They invest in accommodation quality, not just availability. There's a direct correlation between accommodation quality and retention rates. Companies that provide spacious houses with proper kitchens see significantly lower turnover than those using basic hotels.

They give people genuine downtime. After a 10-12 hour physical shift, workers need space to decompress. A house with a garden, a lounge with a TV, or even a games room gives people something to look forward to in the evening.

They maintain regular communication about the project timeline. Uncertainty is a retention killer. When people don't know how long they'll be away, they start looking for local work.

They rotate accommodation periodically. On very long projects (12+ months), even good accommodation can feel stale. Some companies rotate properties every 3-4 months.

The maths is straightforward: spending an extra £5-10 per person per night on better accommodation saves you £5,000-£15,000 every time it prevents someone from leaving.