vast majority of nation's construction firms expect to hire more workers in 2020, says survey

Roughly 75 percent of responding construction firms in a new survey, conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, are planning to add workers to their payrolls next year.

The report, Strong Demand for Work Amid Stronger Demand for Workers, shows an expected continuing demand for more workers in all segments of the industry, reflecting an overall view of increased projects in 2020.

Of the survey respondents reflecting those segments, water and sewer contractors were the most bullish with roughly 25 percent predicting increased work; followed by bridge and highway, K-12 school, hospital, and transportation contractors, 20 percent of whom are expecting to take on more projects in 2020.

In anticipation of an increased project load, construction companies across the board said they will naturally be taking on more workers in the coming months.

But Stephen Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors, warned that the expected project and labor boom comes with a downside, noting that “many construction executives are troubled by labor shortages and the impacts those shortages are having on operations, training and safety programs, and bottom lines.”

The Associated General Contractors survey was done in conjunction with the Atlanta-based Sage Construction and Real Estate.

By Garry Boulard

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