Chronic labor shortages are changing the way many firms recruit and compensate workers, according to a new AGC report.
By Jennifer Goodman | Builder
Builders facing a shortage of qualified workers aren’t alone; a new survey has found that 70 percent of U.S. construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.
The industry-wide survey released by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) found that many firms are changing the way they operate, recruit and compensate. AGC officials cautioned that chronic labor shortages could have significant economic impacts absent greater investments in career and technical education.
“In the short-term, fewer firms will be able to bid on construction projects if they are concerned they will not have enough workers to meet demand,” says Stephen Sandherr, AGC chief executive officer. “Over the long-term, either construction firms will find a way to do more with fewer workers or public officials will take steps to encourage more people to pursue careers in construction.”
