Vitality Address labor gap with benefits, training and tech. The construction industry’s continuing labor shortage may alleviate a bit in 2025 — the projected shortage will drop by about 50,000 workers in 2025 — but there will still 7 remain a worker deficit of more than 450,000. Making matters worse: One in five construction workers 8 and there’s a dearth of incoming Gen Zs is older than 55 and Millennials entering the profession. Severe weather conditions are also a major problem — not only does it increase the danger to workers, but it will drive down the number of people interested in construction as a profession. For instance, childcare benefits could help attract more The industry has turned to apprenticeship programs women to the business, while mental health benefits are for help. In fact, there’s been a 40% jump in registered 10 key to combat high rates of suicide within the industry. apprenticeship programs in the previous decade, with Other creative solutions could include access to personal construction firms and their trades accounting for more insurance to take an additional layer of stress off 9 than a third of all apprentices, more than any other sector. employees’ plates. Technology can also help. For example, drones and robots This strategy can deliver quality employee experiences can help with the most dangerous construction tasks. (QEX) that create an environment in which employees There’s also wearable tech that detects body heat and are more engaged and productive than those without fatigue and provides GPS tracking to detect falls or no personalized benefits. movement for an extended period. Personalized benefits can also help attract and retain 7. Construction Dive, “Construction’s labor shortage continues, workers. Respondents to HUB's survey cited challenges in despite dip in open jobs,” June 5, 2024. providing adequate benefits to compete for top workers, 8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Labor Force Statistics from the and nearly half reported low employee participation Current Population Survey,” accessed September 19, 2024. and satisfaction with current programs, highlighting an 9. NewsNation, “America needs skilled workers; are apprenticeships the solution?” April 11, 2024. opportunity to structure a benefits strategy that focuses 10. NBC News, “Construction workers are dying by suicide at an on what employees value. By digging into the company’s alarming rate,” June 23, 2024. population data through a Workforce Persona Analysis, a customized strategy can deliver benefits that workers truly want and need. 4