{"id":24558,"date":"2024-08-20T06:30:53","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T10:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=24558"},"modified":"2026-01-21T11:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T16:06:32","slug":"tackling-skills-shortages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/tackling-skills-shortages\/","title":{"rendered":"Tackling skills shortages: What your construction firm can do"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/construction\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Construction<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTackling skills shortages: What your construction firm can do\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2024-08-20T06:30:53-04:00\">August 20, 2024<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Tackling skills shortages: What your construction firm can do\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/tackling-skills-shortages\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/susiecarter\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/07\/Susie-Carter.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Susie Carter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The construction industry has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/business\/small-business-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">highest rate of failure<\/a> out of all businesses within the USA\u2014due in part to skills shortages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a dubious \u201cbadge of honor\u201d\u2014but the good news is there&#8217;s loads of help available for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) within construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will help you find out how to attract and retain labor to get ahead of the competition now and protect your bottom line in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover<\/h4>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-challenge-of-skills-shortages-for-construction-smbs\" data-level=\"2\">The challenge of skills shortages for construction SMBs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-1-research-grants-and-funding\" data-level=\"2\">1. Research grants and funding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-assess-where-are-you-now\" data-level=\"2\">2. Assess where are you now<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-attract-talented-people\" data-level=\"2\">3. Attract talented people<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-retain-your-best-people\" data-level=\"2\">4. Retain your best people<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-create-a-more-human-culture\" data-level=\"2\">5. Create a more &ldquo;human&rdquo; culture<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-6-use-intelligent-tools\" data-level=\"2\">6. Use intelligent tools<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Discover Sage Construction and Real Estate solutions<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Whether in your office or in the field\u2014 get the job done right every time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-construction\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-6302\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/03\/GettyImages-636056868-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/03\/GettyImages-636056868-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-challenge-of-skills-shortages-for-construction-smbs\"><strong>The challenge of skills shortages for construction SMBs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All too often, it&#8217;s the big numbers that grab the headlines in construction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cThe US needs 500,000 more construction workers.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abc.org\/News-Media\/News-Releases\/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million\">N<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.contractormag.com\/construction-data\/article\/21281843\/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ews Releases | ABC: 2024 Construction Workforce Shortage Tops Half A Million<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWe need multi-billion dollar projects like California High Speed Rail.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But what&#8217;s reported far less often is the critical role of SMBs in underpinning the industry\u2014which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/business\/small-business-statistics\/#:~:text=While%20large%20corporations%20often%20grab,99.9%25%20of%20all%20U.S.%20businesses.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make up 99.9 percent of all US businesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMom and pop\u201d shops\u2014often specialist suppliers\u2014play an essential part and act as supply chains for critical sectors including manufacturing, EV battery plants, power and energy, data centers, and transport infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, SMBs are also on the front line in tackling skills shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s no easy task when you&#8217;re managing other major challenges like inflation, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and increasing requirements on sustainability and health and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)\u2014the leading association for the construction industry\u201470% of respondents are concerned about skills shortages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/economy\/usg-us-chamber-commerce-commercial-construction-index-2017-q4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">detailed report<\/a> published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usg.com\/content\/usgcom\/en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USG Corporation<\/a> showed that 95% of contractors have serious problems finding skilled workforce for their projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But help is at hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are 6 steps you can follow to attract and retain skilled construction labor to protect your construction SMB in the long term.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-research-grants-and-funding\">1. <strong><strong>Research grants and funding<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tackling skills shortages in the long term requires investment\u2014and this is one opportunity where the U.S Federal Government offers grants and funding to support workforce development within critical industries\u2014like construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Economic Development Administration (EDA) prepares American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It runs multiple and growing grant programs and funds workforce planning, as well as targeted training projects addressing hiring and skills needs, and creating high quality jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an industry plagued by low margins and cash flow challenges, it might be worth seeing if you can get additional financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, it&#8217;s time to take an objective look at how you can optimize your people, processes, and tools to help you get ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-assess-where-are-you-now\">2. <strong>Assess where are you now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Procore, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.procore.com\/library\/construction-labor-costs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">construction labor represents up to 60% of total costs. <\/a>Whether you use your own people or subcontractors to deliver work, it&#8217;s a function that needs to be managed very carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Map out your construction work pipeline for the coming months and years to identify which specialist people you will need, and when, as well as predicted market shifts and changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This enables you to plan the use of expensive experts\u2014and ensure everyone is working at optimum capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, you&#8217;ll identify potential gaps\u2014and can recruit, train, and upskill proactively ahead of problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-attract-talented-people\">3. <strong>Attract talented people<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to McKinsey, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/people-and-organizational-performance\/our-insights\/tradespeople-wanted-the-need-for-critical-trade-skills-in-the-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">annual hiring in the US for critical skilled roles could be 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A major reason is churn\u2014with older people leaving the workforce and a lack of young people joining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s estimated that this costs companies more than $5.3 billion every year in talent acquisition and training costs alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the AGC reports that labor shortages are severe within construction because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/users\/user21902\/2023%20Workforce%20Survey%20Analysis%20%283%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most job candidates are not qualified to work in the industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A shocking 68% of firms report applicants lack the skills needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, here&#8217;s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-early\"><strong>Start early<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s worth building relationships with trade schools and colleges, to develop a pipeline of talented and motivated new starters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might include creating apprenticeship programs which include hands-on experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-marketing\"><strong>Get marketing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>make sure you invest in marketing your construction SMB to win over the skilled workers that everyone&#8217;s competing for. Find the unique story that helps your business stand out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow your target candidates by promoting yourself on job sites, social media, and careers fairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget underrepresented groups, who are often a valuable untapped resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the AGC, 81% of firms have raised base pay rates for their workers during the past year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to raising base pay rates, 44% are providing incentives and bonuses, and a quarter of firms (26%) have also improved their benefits packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Discover Sage Construction and Real Estate solutions<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Whether in your office or in the field\u2014 get the job done right every time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-construction\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-6302\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/03\/GettyImages-636056868-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/03\/GettyImages-636056868-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-retain-your-best-people\">4. <strong>Retain your best people<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The US construction industry is juggling an ageing workforce, combined with increasing demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between 1984 and 2027, the ratio of post-working-age individuals to working-age individuals is projected to rise by about 75%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So we need to do everything we can to keep the people we do have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recognition\"><strong>Recognition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone loves reward, recognition, and development, so make sure you do recognize the achievements and hard work of your existing staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-upskilling\"><strong>Upskilling<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also want to offer in-house training and continuous education, to develop existing workers, incentivize them to stay, and keep your business ahead of developments within the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To stand out, you may also want to create a formal career development program\u2014so people can see clear paths for progressing through your business to maximize their personal and professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the AGC, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/users\/user21902\/2023%20Workforce%20Survey%20Analysis%20%283%29.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">41% of firms are boosting spending on training and professional development programs,<\/a> 25% are enhancing their online and video training capabilities, and 14% are using augmented and virtual reality technology to better train workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-let-people-shine\"><strong>Let people shine<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Your retirement age workers might love the chance to share experience via mentoring and supervising newer entrants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Valuing and using the skills of your more senior employees to train up newer ones is a no brainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-create-a-more-human-culture\">5. <strong>Create a more \u201chuman\u201d culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a positive and more \u201chuman\u201d work culture is a way of attracting not just any people, but the<em> right<\/em> people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building in flexibility and inclusivity only benefits your business in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-flexible-working\"><strong>Flexible working<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Covid-19, many people expect the option to work remotely or hybrid to accommodate personal commitments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By being flexible, you&#8217;ll also appeal to a bigger talent pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they do have to be on site or in an office, consider ways to make it worth the added expenditure of a commute or childcare arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-be-part-of-the-big-picture\"><strong>Be part of the big picture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many find work more rewarding when they can see how they&#8217;re making a difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be worth networking, building relationships, and forming partnerships to access new opportunities and influence wider industry conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the AGC, 25% of firms report teaming up with a craft staffing firm, and engaging with a government workforce development or unemployment agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-create-a-great-culture\"><strong>Create a great culture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider investing in your mission, values, and internal communications to make people feel positive and safe, maximize engagement, and reduce turnover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-a-regional-approach\"><strong>Consider a regional approach<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Some construction firms have adopted a regional approach to tackling skills shortages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They do this by working collaboratively with other companies, as well as authorities and clients to attract entrants and deliver relevant work placements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-use-intelligent-tools\">6. <strong>Use intelligent tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s widely accepted that the construction industry is \u201cbehind the curve\u201d when it comes to digitalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But industry is ramping up. According to AGC, 91% of firms agree that their employees need to possess digital technology skills to be successful as firms adopt new labor-saving technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And nearly three-quarters of firms say that at least half the people they are hiring have the technology skills they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The numbers show that there&#8217;s rarely been a more compelling case for adopting new technologies than workforce development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three out of four respondents agree that their use of cutting-edge technology helps them recruit talent into their firms, while a similar share agrees that diversifying their current workforce is critical to strengthening their future business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So why not check it out?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Construction technology<\/strong>\u2014it might be worth looking at whether you can redeploy people from manual tasks onto higher value activities. Solutions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and automation not only improve efficiency, they can also reduce reliance on manual labor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using online project management tools also enables you to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s good for everyone because smart workplaces are often also rewarding workplaces motivating your people to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while the skills shortage challenge is great\u2014so is the outlook for the construction industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the AGC, despite labor shortages, most firms expect to expand in the next 12 months. 69% of firms expect to add employees in the next 12 months, while 27% expect no net change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you break it down step by step, there are many ways you can get ahead of the pack and secure a talent pipeline that will give you a long-term competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how to attract and retain labor in the construction industry to get ahead of the competition now and protect your bottom line.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":870,"featured_media":9009,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[404,49],"tags":[192,284,250],"business_type":[],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[50],"persona":[98,96,97,95],"imagine_tag":[246],"coauthors":[800],"class_list":["post-24558","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction","category-trends-insights","tag-construction","tag-hiring","tag-workplace-of-the-future","industry-construction-and-real-estate"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Susie Carter","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1300161760.jpg","imagine_tags":{"246":"Construction"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24558","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/870"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24558"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24558\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/9009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=24558"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=24558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}