In Western Australia’s civil and mining sectors, a stable workforce is the backbone of successful projects. While attracting skilled workers is always a challenge, keeping them is often the harder part. High turnover can derail productivity, push out timelines, increase safety risks, and blow out costs.
At HSS, we partner with clients across Perth and regional WA who are facing these exact challenges. Over the years we have seen what works, what doesn’t, and why some projects run with steady, committed crews while others constantly feel one step behind. If your business is looking to improve workforce retention in mining and civil projects, here are the strategies that make the biggest impact.
Get the onboarding right
Retention starts from day one. A rushed or confusing onboarding process can leave workers feeling disconnected before they have even begun. Clear communication, a structured induction, and upfront expectations help people feel valued and supported. When workers trust the process from the outset, they are more likely to trust the business long term.
Focus on rosters and work-life balance
In WA’s mining and civil projects, long swings and FIFO schedules are common. But fatigue and burnout are also common reasons people leave. Employers who make even small improvements to rostering and predictability often see big results in retention. Options like shorter swings, more consistent schedules, or family-friendly rotations show workers that their wellbeing is being taken seriously. When people can balance their job with their home life, they stay longer.
Invest in supervisors and leadership
One of the leading reasons workers leave a project is not the role itself, but the leadership. Poor communication, lack of recognition, or a culture of disregard from supervisors can quickly drive turnover. On the other hand, skilled leaders who motivate and support their teams create loyalty. Training supervisors and giving them the tools to manage people well is just as important as training operators on machinery. Retention rises when crews feel respected by their leaders.
Build career pathways
Workers are far more likely to stay when they can see a future with your business. That could mean access to upskilling programs, opportunities to gain additional tickets, or clear pathways into more senior roles. In mining and civil, where skills are transferable, people will move quickly if another employer offers them growth. By creating development opportunities, you reduce the temptation to look elsewhere and instead build loyalty with your workforce.
Keep the communication open
Retention is not just about policies, it is also about culture. Workers who feel heard and valued are more engaged and less likely to leave. Regular check-ins, open channels for feedback, and acting on that feedback when possible all make a difference. Whether it is concerns about safety, rosters, or site culture, addressing issues early prevents them from becoming reasons to resign.
Why workforce retention matters in WA
According to recent industry data, turnover in WA’s mining sector can cost employers up to 1.5 times a worker’s annual salary when you factor in recruitment, training, and downtime. In civil construction, high turnover can delay projects and lead to significant contract penalties. Beyond the financial impact, frequent staff changes also affect safety. In industries where teamwork and familiarity are critical, a constantly changing crew increases risks on site.
Stable workforces in Perth and across regional WA deliver better results. Projects finish on time, safety standards remain consistent, and businesses avoid the hidden costs of high turnover.
Partnering for retention
At HSS, we understand that workforce retention is not just about filling jobs, it is about building stability. We work closely with our clients to match not only skills, but also people who are the right long-term fit. Our approach focuses on connecting employers with workers who add value, stay engaged, and become part of a team.
If you are looking to reduce turnover on your next civil or mining project and build a more stable workforce in Perth or regional WA, talk to the team at HSS. Together we can put the right people in place and keep your projects moving forward.
