A 2021 survey from The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) revealed that 89% of contractors are struggling to find workers. This construction labor shortage, according to Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) is also predicted to grow to as much as 512,000 workers by 2023, a gap that could severely bottleneck projects for the already understaffed construction industry.
Despite the decline in qualified workers, some construction firms and contractors have been able to pivot their hiring strategies and utilize existing resources to keep their projects on track. To help your team stay productive, we’ve compiled a few ways builders have adapted to ongoing labor shortages.
- Leveraging Automation Technologies – Existing construction automation has improved physical tasks and assist construction teams. Automated robots and machines have helped with paving roads, hauling debris and laying bricks, technology that has attracted the next generation of workers.
- Relying on Modular Construction – Prefabricated modular buildings have helped jumpstart projects by reducing the site build time to just a few days, reducing the need for onsite labor.
- Focusing on Workforce Management – To help retain current construction workers and attract new ones, more firms have turned their focus to improving workforce management. Adding employee data programs and human resources can help employees feel more valued and in control at work.
- Diversifying the Construction Industry – Industry leaders are focusing on broadening recruitment tactics in an effort to diversify a predominately white and male construction workforce. Some companies are working with industry training programs, such as Project JumpStart and Power UP, to help engage and recruit underrepresented groups.
With construction labor shortages expected to grow, now is the time to pivot construction strategies and adapt to change in the industry.