Construction Leaders Embrace AI and Automation in Workforce Planning Amid Labor Crisis

📅 1 days ago 🏷️ Bridgit

A recent report reveals that nearly all construction executives plan to enhance workforce planning investments using AI and automation to tackle labor shortages affecting operations and project capacities.

On June 24, 2025, Bridgit and studioID's Construction Dive released a pivotal report detailing the state of workforce planning in the construction industry. This report highlights that a staggering 98% of construction executives intend to boost investments in workforce planning over the coming year. The necessity for these investments arises from the mounting labor crisis that has been affecting the construction sector, prompting leaders to turn towards artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced analytics.
The 2025 State of Workforce Planning report, which surveyed numerous executives involved in operations, project management, human resources, and business development, sheds light on the challenges faced by the industry. Key findings indicate that a significant 93% of construction leaders have reported that labor shortages are directly impacting their operations. This labor gap is not only driving up costs but is also limiting project capacity and putting additional strain on teams.
Despite the high stakes, the report reveals a concerning trend: 71% of companies still depend on outdated methods such as spreadsheets and whiteboards for workforce planning. In stark contrast, nearly all respondents—99%—expressed their intention to incorporate AI, automation, and forecasting tools into their workforce strategies within the next year. More than 75% of these leaders are budgeting over $100,000 for these technological upgrades.
Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit, commented on the findings, stating, “This report shows a clear shift: the industry is moving away from manual systems toward data-driven, scalable solutions.” As the pressures of the market intensify, Lake emphasizes that companies investing in strategic workforce planning will be the ones that remain agile, retain their top talent, and secure more work.
The report also identifies several key challenges that leaders are currently facing. Among these are the need to improve training programs (35%), increase employee engagement (30%), maximize utilization while identifying skills gaps (28% and 26% respectively), and accurately forecast workforce needs (25%). These challenges underscore the complexities of managing a workforce in a rapidly evolving industry.
Respondents highlighted critical features that are lacking in current workforce planning tools. A significant 46% of leaders expressed the urgent need for automation and AI capabilities to anticipate labor needs and optimize team structures. Additionally, 43% indicated a requirement for better forecasting and analytics tools to facilitate informed, proactive decision-making, as well as integration capabilities to connect workforce data with existing systems such as CRM, HR, Project Management, and ERP.
Keaton Green, Senior Vice President at Frampton Construction, remarked on the importance of strategic workforce planning, stating, “Our growth isn’t just about winning work; it’s about building the right teams to deliver that work.” He emphasized that different market sectors, including LTL logistics and commercial development, require specialized expertise. Effective workforce planning enables companies to align the right talent with the appropriate markets, ensuring timely project delivery.
The report also underscores the bottom line for construction companies: aligning workforce data, including build-type experience and past client relationships, is directly linked to better project outcomes. A notable 73% of survey respondents believe that the collective experience of a project team is crucial for achieving successful project outcomes. Improved employee retention and a stronger competitive position were also recognized as significant benefits of strategic workforce planning.
Leon Nelson, Vice President at Big-D Construction, shared insights on the impact of strategic workforce planning, stating, “With strategic workforce planning, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of our workforce.” He noted that aligning employees’ skills and experiences with the right projects not only enhances project outcomes but also fosters a more engaging work environment, ultimately boosting team morale and retention.
Bridgit, the company behind the report, aims to transform talent management in the construction industry and modernize workforce strategies. Their Workforce Planning solution helps construction firms turn workforce data into actionable insights, enabling them to optimize their teams and manage projects more effectively. The company has raised over CAD 43.5 million in equity financing from notable investors, including Autodesk and Salesforce Ventures, to further its mission.

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