Most construction companies expect demand for their services and hiring to expand in 2020, but even more companies are worried about their ability to find qualified workers to hire, according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate.
“Contractors are very optimistic about demand for construction in 2020,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “At the same time, many construction executives are troubled by labor shortages and the impacts those shortages are having on operations, training, and safety programs, and bottom lines.”
Seventy-five percent of contracting firms plan to increase headcount this year, similar to the 77% with this expectation at the start of 2019 and the 75% at the start of 2018. The findings are detailed in Strong Demand for Work Amid Stronger Demand for Workers: The 2020 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report.
Even though most companies plan to expand headcount, 81% report they are having a hard time filling salaried and hourly craft positions. That share is up slightly from 78% at the start of 2019.
The percentage of respondents who expect a market segment to expand exceeds the percentage who expect it to contract for all 13 categories of projects included in the survey. For every segment, between 27% and 36% of respondents expect an increase compared to 2019 in the dollar value of projects they compete for.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2018
Dept. of Energy says 2016 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 would save 8.2% of energy costs
Favorable comparison to 2013 standard for commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2018
Well Living Lab launches extensive study on how indoor environments affect people’s lives
Factors that impact health, performance, stress and resiliency, sleep, and comfort to be scrutinized.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2018
AEC industry reported high levels of fraud, cyber breaches, and security incidents in 2017
83% experienced at least one fraud incident.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2018
Smart surface solutions can improve disaster resilience, health and comfort in cities
Stormwater management, water quality, and heat island effect could all be impacted.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2018
Bolstering energy efficiency would produce significant health benefits, ACEEE study says
Reducing energy consumption by 15% would save six lives a day.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2018
GBCI will certify underwriting standard for energy efficiency projects
Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification aims to boost confidence in predicted energy and financial savings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2018
FEMA document provides simplified seismic design provisions for low-hazard regions
Forty four states have areas defined as low-hazard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2018
Federal budget includes disaster mitigation provisions
Bipartisan bill encourages states to adopt latest building codes.
