The construction industry added 22,000 jobs on net in September. Overall, the industry has recovered 912,000 (81.9%) of the jobs lost during earlier stages of the pandemic.

Jim Kowalski is owner and vice president of Kowalski Construction Inc. He is also president of the Restoration Affiliates board. Here, he shares secrets to success and lessons learned in growing his third-generation, family-run property restoration company. He also explains what Restoration Affiliates is. 

The critical relationship between meaning and workforce management with real data points business leaders should take note of, based on a survey of 7,000 employees in seven countries.

Jennifer Todd, president of remediation company LMS General Contractors, discusses her experience as a Black, woman contractor-owner in a white-, male-dominated field, as well as the importance of treating the labor shortage and diversity as a joint issue. 

Three questions for those struggling to find talent to ask themselves.

As we continue to try everything to overcome the hiring challenges and labor shortage, we must carefully balance our focus and resources on other areas that may help us attract and retain talent. It is equally important to also focus on optimal use and management of existing resources.

Dr. Anirban Basu, chief economist with Associated Builders and Contractors, points to what prospective employees want from restoration and remediation employers, thus how these companies might address their labor challenges.

There was a time when new hire orientation meant the new employee spent a day or two in the office filling out forms, signing documents, and reading a slew of company literature and policies, many of which were outdated.