Rotational Work in Construction: Worth the Trip?

Last year, I embarked on the journey of recruiting engineers and other experts for construction jobs across Europe – mainly for large-scale data centre projects in Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. As I reached out to more and more candidates, a common question emerged after they learned about the scale and location of the projects:

“What’s the rotation like?”

Indeed, this is a critical question. Working on rotations with regular travels home has its pros and cons. The disadvantages might be quite apparent: being far from your family for weeks, flying across Europe with a suitcase, searching for the right accommodation, stress and fatigue etc.

So, what are the Pros?

To explore the benefits, let’s look at what rotations involve.

Firstly, the schedule can vary depending on several factors. One key factor is the company you will be working for, and another is the project’s location. Generally, rotations tend to be longer in Scandinavia and shorter in mainland Europe.

For instance, a job in Frankfurt (a major data centre hub) typically involves spending two weeks on site starting on a Monday (with a possible Saturday workday during the first week) and then flying back home the following Thursday. This would give you a long weekend at home before returning to work on Monday.

Frankfurt is a convenient example due to its bustling airport, which offers daily flights to many destinations, including Dublin. I mention Dublin because I recruit for Irish companies, but the good news is that they will cover the costs of your flight to any European location you reside in.

For projects in Denmark and Sweden, rotations are usually three weeks long, but some companies offer a whole week off afterwards, providing a better work-life balance.

Another important factor is the salary package. Here lies a significant advantage: these international roles often pay much better than similar positions in Ireland. In addition to your base salary, you receive a living allowance for time spent on-site. This allowance might be higher in Nordic countries and somewhat lower in mainland Europe, but your monthly net salary can be approximately €1000 more in some locations.

You know your schedule and benefits, but what about your living arrangements during these projects? Will you have your own apartment? This varies as well. Some companies provide individual accommodation, while others offer shared housing. There is also flexibility, as some companies offer a monthly allowance for accommodation if you prefer to choose your apartment.

Conclusion

In summary, working on construction projects in various European locations has its perks. You might find yourself in interesting places, working in an international environment, and gaining valuable experience. You will certainly earn more, which is well-deserved given the compromises you make and the value you bring to the on-site project team. Additionally, you will have the chance to build a diverse professional network, which can open up new opportunities and connections. Furthermore, you may encounter unique experiences that you would have missed had you not embraced such an opportunity.