TORONTO – A new industry report from Bridgit and studioID’s Construction Dive reveals that 98% of construction leaders plan to increase investments in workforce planning over the next year, with nearly all turning to AI, automation, and advanced analytics to navigate the construction industry’s intensifying labor crisis.
The 2025 State of Workforce Planning report surveyed hundreds of construction executives across operations, project management, human resources, and business development, uncovering the strategies they’re using to combat rising labor costs, an inability to take on new projects, and employee burnout.
Key Findings
• 93% of construction leaders report labor shortages are directly impacting operations, driving up costs, limiting project capacity, and straining teams.
• Despite the high stakes, 71% of companies still rely on spreadsheets and even whiteboards to manage workforce planning.
• Nearly all respondents — 99%— plan to integrate AI, automation, and forecasting tools into their workforce strategies in the next 12 months, with more than 75% budgeting over $100,000 for these upgrades.
“This report shows a clear shift: the industry is moving away from manual systems toward data-driven, scalable solutions,” said Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit. “As market pressures mount, the companies investing in strategic workforce planning will be the ones who stay agile, retain top talent, and win more work.”
Key Challenges Identified by Leaders
• Improving training programs (35%)
• Increasing employee engagement (30%)
• Maximizing utilization and identifying skills gaps (28%, 26%)
• Forecasting workforce needs (25%)
What’s Missing in Current Tools?
Leaders say they urgently need:
• Automation and AI features (46%) to anticipate labor needs and optimize teams
• Forecasting and analytics (43%) to make informed, proactive decisions
• Integration capabilities (43%) to connect workforce data with CRM, HR, Project Management, and ERP systems
“Our growth isn’t just about winning work; it’s about building the right teams to deliver that work. Each market sector, whether it’s LTL logistics, advanced manufacturing, or commercial development, requires distinct expertise,” said Keaton Green, senior vice president, Frampton Construction. “Strategic workforce planning ensures we place the right people in the right markets at the right time. It’s how we scale with confidence and deliver consistent results.”
Construction companies that align workforce data, such as build-type experience, past client relationships, and market-sector expertise, are achieving better project outcomes; in fact, 73% of survey respondents believe the collective experience of a project team is very significant in creating successful project outcomes. Improved retention and a stronger competitive edge were also cited. Strategic workforce planning is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s essential for future growth.
“With strategic workforce planning, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of our workforce,” said Leon Nelson, vice president at Big-D Construction. “By aligning our employees’ skills and experience with the right projects, we’re not only improving project outcomes but also creating a more engaging environment that has noticeably boosted team morale and retention.”
