Report: Labour shortages are driving technology adoption

Key Takeaways:

• With 93% of construction firms feeling the pressure of labour shortages, nearly all surveyed companies (98%) plan to invest in workforce planning tools within the next year to manage costs, avoid burnout, and improve project capacity.
• Companies are moving away from assigning teams based solely on availability, instead prioritizing collective project experience, market expertise, and past performance to improve outcomes and competitiveness during the bidding process.
• Firms are committing major resources—often over $100,000—to workforce planning software, with 75% expecting to integrate AI within nine months. Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and project management systems is seen as essential for accurate planning and operational efficiency.

The Whole Story:

Canadian construction companies are embracing workforce planning technology to combat labour shortages and improve project outcomes, according to a new industry report.

Bridgit’s 2025 State of Workforce Planning report, developed in collaboration with Construction Dive’s studioID, surveyed general contractors across North America and found that 98% plan to invest in workforce planning tools over the next year. Most executives say these tools are now critical to scaling operations, retaining talent, and winning new business in a competitive environment.

“In construction, there’s a razor-thin line between driving performance and driving burnout,” said Keaton Green, senior vice-president at Frampton Construction. “Strategic workforce planning helps us strike the right balance: teams are deployed effectively, not just kept busy.”

Labour shortages driving urgency

The survey revealed that 93% of respondents are already feeling the impact of ongoing labour shortages. The most common effects include increased costs (43%), inability to take on new projects (42%), and employee burnout (33%).

Despite these pressures, 92% of respondents said their current strategies are at least somewhat effective, with more than a third rating their approach as “very effective.” But many still rely on basic tools like Excel spreadsheets or even pen-and-paper systems, which the report identified as barriers to efficiency and scalability.

Experience-based team building gaining traction

A key trend identified in the report is the shift from staffing based solely on availability to strategically building project teams based on collective experience, market expertise, and past performance. More than 70% of respondents said a project team’s combined experience is “very significant” in determining successful outcomes.

“Whether it’s a fast-track industrial build or a complex commercial upfit, each project demands a tailored team strategy,” said Green. “The right mix of experience, capability, and capacity is what drives outcomes.”

This focus on experience is also influencing how firms bid on projects. A majority now factor in team-specific metrics such as build-type experience (60%), market-sector knowledge (54%), and owner-specific expertise (50%).

Tech investment ramps up

To support this shift, firms are planning major tech upgrades. Nearly all respondents said they will invest at least $100,000 in workforce planning software over the next 12 months, with a growing appetite for platforms that offer automation, AI, and data integration capabilities.

“Relying on spreadsheets might work in the short term,” said Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit. “But as companies scale or face unpredictable market shifts, their limitations become clear.”

Three-quarters of executives also expect to integrate AI into their planning processes within the next nine months.

Integration with existing systems—such as payroll, HR, CRM and project management platforms—is another priority, with more than half of respondents citing it as essential for gaining accurate insights and streamlining operations.

A competitive edge

The report concludes that strategic workforce planning has evolved from a back-office function to a central pillar of business strategy. Companies that effectively implement modern planning tools are seeing tangible benefits, including higher employee retention, better project outcomes, and stronger client relationships.

“The top construction firms know that workforce planning provides an unmatched competitive edge,” said Lake. “You can build better, execute faster, and lead with confidence in knowing that you’re making the most of your team.”

The full Bridgit 2025 State of Workforce Planning report is available at gobridgit.com.