A new year is underway, and with it comes new opportunities across the construction industry. While there are many exciting new developments, there are also challenges to keep in mind during the months ahead. Let’s dive into what 2025 holds.

Understanding the current construction market

A new report by The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America forecasted the highlights and challenges that construction may face in 2025. A few highlights from the report:

• Construction contractors are optimistic about certain private-sector segments and have high hopes for most types of public-sector work
• The results showed very low expectations for several private-sector market segments
• Respondents remain concerned about labor shortages and material price increases amid threats of tariffs

With these points in mind, it’s critical to build an effective construction worker recruiting strategy to keep your projects fully staffed throughout 2025. Here are five tips to help guide your strategy.

1. Data matters

The first step is figuring out what worked (and what didn’t) in past years. Reflect on which strategies propelled your success — and which ones fell flat — to empower you to refine your approach. By eliminating ineffective hiring tactics, you can redirect your resources toward methods that truly work.

If gauging the impact of your hiring strategies feels overwhelming, consider establishing clear metrics to track your progress. From assessing cost per hire to evaluating the quality of your new team members, data analysis is vital for crafting a robust construction staffing plan.

Remember, success in attracting top construction talent lies in a dynamic, multi-faceted strategy. In an ever-changing environment, it’s crucial to maintain a flexible staffing plan that can adapt to unexpected hurdles. Examine how your company responded to disruptions in the past. Dive into these insights and set your company up for a brighter, more successful future.

2. Adopt innovative recruiting strategies

Stepping up your recruiting efforts and showing what your company has to offer may help you attract candidates. Linking to a portfolio of your company’s projects in your job postings can appeal to construction workers, as can highlighting career development and advancement opportunities.

You also need to ensure your application and onboarding process is easy to use and seamless. Things like mobile-first job applications and making sure recruiters follow up quickly can help you secure the best talent out there.

3. Retention is the name of the game

While having an effective hiring strategy is amazing, it doesn’t mean much if you can’t hold onto the workers you already have. Put extra time into building out or refining your retention strategy in 2025. In the long run, you’ll have happier workers and spend less time and money on recruitment.

One way to do this is by adding perks and incentives beyond their salary and benefits. This not only helps attract potential candidates, but can also lead to improved retention rates

Consider offering flexible scheduling, worker recognition programs like Respect the Craft, and other enticements.

4. Keep up on the latest tools and trends

Talented construction workers are showing a growing interest in innovative technologies that improve productivity and enhance safety. Companies that embrace these advancements are experiencing greater success in attracting construction talent.

Some cutting-edge technologies that appeal to skilled construction workers include:

• Generative AI, which can foster improvements in project design, schedule optimization, cost controls, site inspection, safety, compliance and quality assurance.
• Construction wearables, like smart hard hats and smart watches, are improving worker safety by helping them avoid health and safety risks on the jobsite.
• Machine learning technologies are reshaping construction by helping workers improve productivity and safety while allowing companies to decrease costs.

5. Find a trusted partner

Industry partners, such as a construction staffing agency, can offer your company innovative strategies to build a stronger workforce. PeopleReady Skilled Trades can help you create a forward-looking staffing plan to find construction workers needed to support your company’s growth. We also have a variety of programs to help foster the construction industry.

One example is WorkUp, a skilled trades workforce development program offered by PeopleReady. WorkUp helps companies like yours grow their worker pipelines with dedicated up-and-coming workers who are ready to build their careers in construction.

PeopleReady Skilled Trades can help your construction recruiting efforts

Looking for construction staffing solutions? PeopleReady Skilled Trades offers a number of proven strategies to support your construction staffing needs. Our skilled trades recruiting experts can help you develop a staffing plan that allows your company to grow and thrive in the new year.