In recent years, the construction industry has faced a severe labor shortage. As the demand for new infrastructure continues to rise, construction companies around the world are complaining about a shortage of skilled workers.
Many believe that people nowadays do not want to do hands-on work, especially when it comes to jobs that can be physically demanding.
However, this isn’t the sole factor steering the younger workforce away from the construction sector.
In this article, we break down the reasons behind the global workforce crisis in the industry. Plus a few strategies to address this challenge.
Construction Industry: Why Is There a Labor Shortage?
On a global level, there are simply not enough workers to keep up with the increasing demand for commercial buildings, houses, hospitals, and other structures.
In the US alone, the number of job openings jumped by 129,000, as highlighted by a report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, there has been a decrease in actual hiring.
As mentioned at the start of this article, many claim that a lack of interest in the field is the main culprit.
The phrase “nobody wants to work anymore” has become a common complaint among those looking for skilled workers.
However, to better understand the issue, we need to look at specific reasons behind the construction labor shortage.
- Industry perceptions: The way people view construction jobs plays a pivotal role in the labor shortage. Younger generations often aren’t interested in physically demanding careers like construction. Not to mention that better-paying jobs in other industries make construction less appealing to those in their twenties.
- Demographic shifts: One major reason for the labor shortage is changes in the population. Many experienced workers are retiring, and there aren’t enough new workers to replace them.
- Economic factors: Uncertainties in the market often lead to cautious hiring. Inconsistent delivery of materials and rising prices due to inflation make construction more expensive. While companies used to worry more about material costs, more of them are now concerned about the increasing cost of labor.
Now, you may be wondering what this means for your business. Put simply, the construction labor shortage can drive up wages and salaries, potentially leading to higher costs for clients.
Moreover, a labor shortage can cause project delays and increased workloads for the existing workforce.
Fortunately, solutions exist.
Navigating the Challenge
Despite the persistent labor shortage, there are days for builders to stay ahead. It’s all about using the right resources to address construction issues beforehand.
One solution would be to invest in training programs to bridge the skills gap. While construction work is often perceived as unskilled labor, construction actually requires a high degree of skills and expertise.
Allocating resources to specialized training can help you attract young individuals who are eager to acquire new skills. This not only provides them with essential knowledge but also nurtures a genuine passion for the industry.
However, acknowledging the urgency of projects and the immediate need for experienced workers, you may also want to explore quick-fix solutions. Immigration can be a valuable resource to bridge the gap. Here’s where VideoWorkers comes into play.
With VideoWorkers, you gain direct access to experienced foreign talent from around the world. The platform facilitates seamless connections, allowing you to quickly engage with skilled professionals.
Plus, VideoWorkers makes the hiring process more efficient by providing skill demo videos, enabling you to assess candidates’ genuine abilities.
To harness the benefits of VideoWorkers, all you need to do is create your free company account. This will open doors to a global pool of talent ready to contribute to the success of your construction projects.