Staff shortages in construction? Here’s how we can master the crisis and make you more efficient!
Why the skills shortage affects all of us in the construction industry
Honestly: The skills shortage in the construction industry is currently one of our biggest challenges when it comes to future viability. Lack of staff often means project delays and rising costs – many German construction companies are feeling this, and their competitiveness is suffering. It’s not just about the missing hands; valuable know-how is also lost, which holds us back from innovations. If we don’t act decisively here, we risk stagnation that goes far beyond just this issue. Securing qualified personnel is therefore absolutely vital for every company in the construction sector. We at Valoon understand this challenge all too well and have thought about how we can tackle this shortage. Let’s explore together how you can successfully manage your projects even with fewer staff.
- Project delays and rising costs: Lack of personnel directly leads to these issues.
- Threat to competitiveness: German construction companies are suffering from the shortage.
- Loss of know-how: Valuable knowledge is lost and stifles innovations.
- Risk of stagnation: Without decisive action, there’s a risk of long-term stagnation.
What to expect in this article: A clear analysis and real solutions
In this article we want to take a closer look at the skills shortage in the construction industry issue – with all its facets. We will examine current figures, delve into the causes, and show you concretely how you as a company can address this crisis. Special attention will be paid to digitalization. Because we are convinced: Innovative tools, such as our project management software for construction, can significantly help optimize processes and relieve your employees. Here you will learn how you can tackle the skills shortage in construction with better working conditions, targeted training for young professionals, and the use of smart technologies to make your company fit for the future. Our goal is to provide you with practical strategies so you can manage the personnel shortage and positively shape the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche aktiv den Kampf ansagen und Ihr Unternehmen fit für die Zukunft machen. Unser Ziel ist es, Ihnen praxistaugliche Strategien an die Hand zu geben, damit Sie die Personalknappheit meistern und die future of the construction industry. positiv mitgestalten können.Bare numbers: How dramatic the skills shortage really is
Statistics and facts that will shake you awake
Unfortunately, the figures speak a very clear language: The skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage has reached a level that should alarm us all. Current surveys show that many companies simply cannot fill their open positions in a timely manner. In vertical construction, for instance, 33.5% of companies reported recruitment problems, and in civil engineering, even 37.9% faced challenges. The situation is particularly critical with young talent: The number of new apprenticeship contracts fell by 4.7% in 2024 – a decrease for the third consecutive year! At the same time, significantly more experienced workers are retiring (about 19,800) than young people are entering the field (12,340). This skills shortage in construction statistics makes it clear: Demographic change is exacerbating the situation and fueling the personnel shortages even further. Although unemployment among construction workers and civil engineers has slightly increased in 2023/2024, the demand for qualified people remains enormous.
What this means for the construction industry
The consequences of the skills shortage in the construction industry are truly severe and can be felt in many areas. We are seeing project delays of an average of 10-15 weeks, as orders cannot be processed on time. This frustrates not only the clients but also leads to significant financial losses and contract penalties. Additionally, rising wage costs arise because everyone is competing for the few available qualified workers, driving subcontractor prices up, ultimately increasing construction costs. In the long term, we see the danger that the ongoing labor shortage weakens the competitiveness of our German construction companies in the international arena. It could even slow down the realization of important infrastructure projects and the urgently needed housing construction, as studies unfortunately confirm.
Not all areas equally severe: Regional differences
Although the skills shortage affects the construction industry throughout Germany, there are indeed regional differences and sector-specific focal points. Major urban centers, where a lot of construction is happening, are often particularly affected, but also rural areas from which many young people are moving away. In the main construction trades, such as masonry, carpentry, or civil engineering, the shortage is often particularly tangible. However, civil engineers and architects are also in short supply. Companies in the finishing trades and technical building equipment are also desperately seeking qualified staff. These differences show us that we need differentiated solutions to effectively address the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche skills shortage and to meet the specific needs of the respective markets. A thorough analysis of the local situation is therefore essential for every company to draw the right conclusions.Why are professionals missing? Tracing the causes
The test of time: Demographics and aging workforce
One of the main reasons why we are lacking skilled workers in the construction industry is clearly demographic change. A large portion of our experienced workforce is nearing retirement – just think about it: around 25% of construction workers are over 55 years old. This ‘baby boomer’ generation is leaving behind a substantial gap that younger generations often cannot fill. Additionally, there are generally fewer young people of working age, which reduces the pool of potential young professionals even further. This structural change means that the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche skills shortage is not a short-term problem but a long-term challenge that requires smart personnel planning and investments in good staff consulting for the construction industry is needed.
- Aging workforce: About 25% of construction workers are over 55 years old and facing retirement.
- Gap left by the ‘baby boomers’: Successive generations often cannot fill this gap.
- Fewer young people in the workforce: The pool of potential young professionals has shrunk.
- Long-term challenge: Demographic change makes the skills shortage a structural problem.
The image problem: Construction is more than just hard work!
The image of the construction industry unfortunately plays a significant role in the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche. Many young people still associate construction work with hard physical labor, bad weather, and inflexible working hours. Often, there is also a lack of public recognition for what is accomplished in construction and how complex the professions actually are. Although working conditions have already improved significantly through modern technology and better occupational safety, these old perceptions stubbornly persist. We as an industry must therefore actively work to polish our image and highlight the attractiveness and many career opportunities, for example through the digitalization of the construction sector, much more prominently. Only in this way can we effectively combat the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche skills shortage.
Mind work instead of craftsmanship? Education and career choices in transition
The fact that many young people today prefer to pursue an academic education rather than a craft apprenticeship is another factor that exacerbates the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage. Our education system and societal perceptions often steer many school leavers towards university, while craft professions are frequently seen as less desirable. There is often a lack of targeted promotion and information about the really good career and earning opportunities in the construction sector. To counter this development, we need to rejuvenate the dual education system and provide better career orientation that realistically portrays the opportunities in skilled trades – supported by modern entgegenzuwirken, müssen wir die duale Ausbildung wieder aufwerten und für eine bessere Berufsorientierung sorgen, die die Chancen im Handwerk – unterstützt durch moderne software to increase efficiency in skilled trades –. The skills shortage is indeed an industry-wide issue, but the skilled trades are particularly suffering from it.Roll up your sleeves: Here’s how we tackle the skills shortage!
Attractive jobs: The key to success
To truly combat the skills shortage in the construction industry , we need to address a crucial point: creating more attractive working conditions. This naturally includes competitive wages and comprehensive social benefits, as demanded by IG BAU, but also more modern and family-friendly working environments. Investments in health protection and occupational safety are just as important as flexible work models – just think of the current discussions surrounding a 4-day workweek in construction. Companies that address their employees’ needs and create a positive working atmosphere simply have the better cards for attracting and retaining qualified people in the long term. This approach is, in our view, fundamental to tackle the labor shortage. Competitive compensation:
- Wettbewerbsfähige Vergütung: Fair wages and comprehensive social benefits are fundamental.
- Modern workplace: Family-friendly conditions and a positive work environment are important.
- Health and safety: Investments in occupational safety pay off.
- Flexible work models: Options like a 4-day workweek can enhance attractiveness.
Training and qualification: Investment in the future
A truly sustainable strategy against the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage is intensive promotion of training and qualification. This starts with more attractive training offers and continues with a strengthening of the dual education system to get young people excited about construction professions again. At the same time, companies must invest in the continued education of their existing employees, so their skills keep pace with new technologies and requirements. Lifelong learning and the impartation of digital skills are crucial here to enhance productivity and make the industry overall more attractive. The digitalization in construction plays a very important role in facing the skills shortage. International talents and a fresh image
Internationale Talente und ein frisches Image
Recruiting international skilled workers, for example from the Western Balkan countries, can help mitigate the skills shortage in the construction industry shortage to some extent. However, we need a simplification of immigration regulations and active support for integration. Concurrently, we need to modernize the image of the construction industry through image campaigns that highlight the diverse career opportunities. A positive portrayal, reaching young people through digital channels and emphasizing the innovative power of the industry, is invaluable. This way, the construction sector can also become more attractive for career changers and mitigate the shortage. Initiatives like ‘Women in Construction’ also show the potential in previously underrepresented groups.
Digitalization and automation: Smart helpers against the shortage
Digitalization offers us huge potentials to alleviate the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage. The use of robotics and artificial intelligence in construction can relieve employees from physically demanding or monotonous tasks. Digital processes, enabled by construction apps to increase productivity , lead to a significant increase in efficiency. Studies show that skilled workers often only spend about 30% of their time on actual construction tasks. This is precisely where digitalization steps in to reduce non-value-adding activities. It is crucial to train employees in the use of new technologies , ensuring that the digital transformation is successful and thus helping us, damit die digitale Transformation auch wirklich gelingt und wir so tackle the labor shortage. Therefore, digitalization is so valuable in the fight against the skills shortage:
Darum ist Digitalisierung im Kampf gegen den Fachkräftemangel so wertvoll:
Digitalization brings a whole range of benefits that help us counter the skills shortage:
- More efficiency: Through the automation of routine tasks and optimized workflows, your existing employees simply accomplish more. This reduces the need for additional personnel and helps to cushion the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche shortage.
- Attractive for young talents: Modern, digitized workplaces are far more appealing to the tech-savvy young generation. The use of innovative technologies can improve the image of the construction industry and facilitate the recruitment of new talent.
- Better working conditions: Digital tools can reduce physically demanding work and enhance safety on construction sites. This increases employee satisfaction and retention – an invaluable advantage in the context of the labor shortage..
Valoon GmbH: Our smart response to the labor shortage
Valoon GmbH: How we revolutionize communication in construction
At Valoon GmbH, we have made it our mission to rethink communication and project management in the construction industry and similar sectors from the ground up. Our cloud-based SaaS platform is specifically designed to master the challenges posed by the skills shortage in the construction industry . We focus on ease of use and intuitive processes, to simplify data collection on-site and sustainably improve the flow of information between your field staff and the office. Our ultimate goal is to offer one of the ‘easiest project management software in the world’ that transforms everyday messenger communication into structured, valuable project data, thus helping to cushion the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche challenges posed by the skills shortage.
How Valoon specifically helps you with labor shortages
Our software solution tackles the skills shortage in the construction industry issue at multiple points. Through the radical simplification of data collection and processing directly via common messenger services like WhatsApp, your field staff won’t need lengthy training for complicated software. This drastically lowers the barriers to digitalization. The automatic structuring of unstructured communication into directly usable project data significantly reduces administrative workload in the office. This allows your skilled workers to focus again on what they do best: their core competencies. In this way, we increase efficiency and help you mitigate the effects of the shortage of skilled labor. Messenger integration and multilingualism: Simply brilliant
Messenger-Integration und Mehrsprachigkeit: Einfach genial
A core component of our solution is the seamless integration of the messenger services, which your teams are already using – whether it’s WhatsApp, Telegram, or MS Teams. Your field staff can therefore continue to work with their familiar tools, greatly increasing acceptance. With enhanced features like buttons, lists, and forms directly in the messenger, communication becomes not only simpler but also immediately structured. Another massive advantage, especially when we talk about the international skills shortage in the construction industry context, is our automatic translation feature in over 50 languages.This greatly facilitates collaboration in multilingual teams and with international partners, and is an important element of our project management software for construction.From practice: Success stories in the fight against the labor shortage
Companies that are doing it right: Looking for inspiration?
Fortunately, there are already some construction companies that are proactively addressing the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage and demonstrate with truly innovative approaches how to successfully counteract it. Companies like the Frutiger Group, for example, rely on strategic workforce planning and development, to retain their talents in the long run. Others, like Banholzer Bau AG, are experimenting with part-time models in construction to increase attractiveness and tap into new target groups. Such innovative work models, combined with strong image campaigns that highlight the modernity and diversity of construction professions, are absolutely crucial. These companies are strategically investing in training and education and using digital tools to increase efficiency in skilled trades, to effectively tackle the labor issue. What we can learn from the successful
When we look at case studies of companies that are succeeding in the fight against the
Wenn wir uns die Fallstudien von Unternehmen anschauen, die im Kampf gegen den skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage, we recognize some key factors. A central point is a recognizing corporate culture, which sees employees as the most important capital. This also includes the willingness to invest in modern working tools and conditions. Successful companies also emphasize a proactive and transparent communication, both internally and externally, to present themselves as attractive employers. The consistent use of digital solutions in the construction sector for process optimization and relieving employees is another common denominator. These factors show us that this challenge is best tackled with a whole bundle of measures.
The most important lessons from practice
We can learn important things from successful projects to combat the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage. First: It’s crucial to invest early in the next generation and build collaborations with schools and educational institutions. Secondly, it is becoming increasingly clear that frühzeitig in den Nachwuchs zu investieren und Kooperationen mit Schulen und Bildungseinrichtungen aufzubauen. Zweitens zeigt sich immer deutlicher, dass flexibility in work models and consideration of work-life balance are becoming more important. And third: Continuous training and adaptation to new technologies are essential to be attractive to new talents and to retain the existing workforce. Companies that consider these aspects and cultivate an open learning culture are simply better equipped to meet the challenges kontinuierliche Weiterbildung und Anpassung an neue Technologien ist unerlässlich, um sowohl für neue Talente attraktiv zu sein als auch die bestehende Belegschaft zu halten. Unternehmen, die diese Aspekte beherzigen und eine offene Lernkultur pflegen, sind einfach besser gerüstet, um die Herausforderungen of the personnel shortage and actively shape the industry. future of the construction industry. Wind in our sails from above? What politics and funding can contributeRückenwind von oben? Was Politik und Förderungen beitragen können
What is the government doing? Laws and regulations under review
It is good to see that the government has recognized the seriousness of the skills shortage in the construction industry issue and has initiated various measures. These include, for instance, laws for skilled labor immigration that aim to facilitate the influx of qualified workers from non-EU countries. Also, programs aimed at strengthening vocational education and promoting further training are designed to counteract the skills shortage. However, we often feel the effects of these regulations only in the medium term, and much depends on bureaucratic implementation. For you as a construction company, it is therefore important to stay informed about current legal changes and their impact on your tackle the labor shortage. entgegenzuwirken. Die Auswirkungen dieser Regulierungen spüren wir allerdings oft erst mittelfristig, und viel hängt von der bürokratischen Umsetzung ab. Für Sie als Bauunternehmen ist es daher wichtig, immer auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben, was aktuelle Gesetzesänderungen und deren Auswirkungen auf Ihre staff recruitment and planning. angeht.
Utilizing funding pots: Support from federal and state governments
Federal and state governments offer a whole range of funding programs to assist companies in overcoming the skills shortage in the construction industry . This ranges from grants for training positions to funding for further training measures to financial incentives for the introduction of digital technologies. For instance, your investments in construction apps to increase productivity or a comprehensive project management software for construction can definitely be eligible for funding. We recommend that you actively inform yourselves about these opportunities and apply for financial support to help counteract the skills shortage. The specific conditions and application procedures vary, of course, from program to program and from state to state. dem Mangel an Fachkräften entgegenzuwirken. Die genauen Konditionen und Antragsverfahren sind natürlich von Programm zu Programm und von Bundesland zu Bundesland unterschiedlich.
What the industry demands: Clear messages to the government
The industry associations of the construction sector have clear demands on the government to tackle the skills shortage in the construction industry more effectively. This includes simplifying approval procedures, for example, to allow construction projects to be implemented more quickly and to free up capacities. Another central demand is to strengthen vocational education through better financial resources and a boost in the image of skilled trades. Furthermore, there is a call for stronger promotion of the Vereinfachung von Genehmigungsverfahren, damit Bauprojekte schneller umgesetzt werden können und Kapazitäten freiwerden. Eine weitere zentrale Forderung ist die Stärkung der beruflichen Bildung durch eine bessere finanzielle Ausstattung und eine Aufwertung des Images handwerklicher Berufe. Außerdem wird eine stärkere Förderung der digitalization in construction to increase productivity and make the industry more attractive to young talents. In our view, these measures are necessary to sustainably address this issue and secure the sector’s performance. Looking forward: How technology and sustainability can help us in the fight against the skills shortageBlick nach vorn: Wie Technik und Nachhaltigkeit uns im Kampf gegen den Fachkräftemangel helfen
What’s next? A look at the forecasts
As we look to the future, forecasts unfortunately indicate that the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage will remain one of our central challenges in the coming years. Studies, such as those by the Swiss Builders Association, project a shortage of around 5,600 skilled workers in Switzerland by 2040. Here in Germany, experts also expect that demographic change and the appeal of other industries will keep the pressure on the labor market in the construction sector high. Without clear countermeasures, particularly in the areas of training, immigration, and productivity enhancements through the digitalization of the construction sectordigitalization, the skills shortage could worsen considerably and seriously jeopardize the industry’s future. Innovations as an opportunity: Technology that excites and relieves future of the construction industry. ernsthaft gefährden.
Innovationen als Chance: Technik, die begeistert und entlastet
Technological innovations such as new materials, modular construction methods, robotics, and increased use of artificial intelligence in construction digitalization will change the work environment in construction – and they can help us mitigate the skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage. Automation can take over physically demanding tasks and increase efficiency. Digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and mobile applications, improve the planning, communication, and execution of construction projects. These technologies, however, also require new qualifications and an adjustment of training contents. We need to ensure that the shortage of skilled workers is not simply replaced by a lack of digitally skilled workers.
Sustainable building, better opportunities: Sustainability as a plus
Sustainable construction and careful use of resources are becoming increasingly important and can also play a role in addressing the skills shortage. Environmentally friendly building materials and energy-efficient construction methods often require specific know-how and can create new, attractive professions. Companies that position themselves as pioneers in sustainability can enhance their appeal as employers – especially with younger generations, for whom environmental issues are very important. Focusing on sustainability can thus not only bring ecological benefits but also help skills shortage in the construction industry spielen. Umweltfreundliche Baustoffe und energieeffiziente Bauweisen erfordern oft spezielles Know-how und können neue, attraktive Berufsfelder schaffen. Unternehmen, die sich als Vorreiter im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit positionieren, können ihre Attraktivität als Arbeitgeber steigern – gerade bei jüngeren Generationen, denen Umweltaspekte sehr am Herzen liegen. Die Fokussierung auf Nachhaltigkeit kann also nicht nur ökologische Vorteile bringen, sondern auch dazu beitragen, counter the current situation and recruit qualified employees eager to participate in future-oriented projects.Conclusion: Let’s tackle it together and make the construction industry fit for the future!
The key points summarized
Phew, that was a lot of input, right? Let’s summarize: The skills shortage in the construction industry skills shortage is a really tricky challenge that arises from demographics, image problems, and changing career aspirations. We all feel the consequences: project delays, rising costs, and endangered competitiveness. To turn the tide, we need a whole package of measures: better working conditions, strengthening of training and education, clever image campaigns, attracting international talents, and consistent digitization. Digital tools, such as those we offer at Valoon GmbH with a focus on simple communication and efficient project management , can greatly help optimize processes and relieve your employees. We are convinced that: This challenge is not insurmountable when all parties pull together.
- Causes of the shortage: demographics, image problems, and changing career aspirations.
- Tangible consequences: project delays, rising costs, and threatened competitiveness.
- Necessary measures: Better working conditions, education, image management, international professionals, and digitization.
- Role of digitization: Optimization of processes and relief for employees through digital tools.
Our call: Now it’s time for all of us to step up!
We can only overcome the skills shortage in the construction industry challenge together – businesses, politics, and society. As a company, you must invest proactively in your employees and modern working conditions and seize the huge opportunities of the digitalization in construction . Politics must create the right framework that promotes education, immigration, and innovation . And we all as a society must increase the appreciation for skilled trades again. Only if we all work together, can we. Und wir alle als Gesellschaft müssen die Wertschätzung für handwerkliche Berufe wieder steigern. Nur wenn wir alle zusammenarbeiten, können wir sustainably combat the personnel shortage and secure the performance of our sector. It’s high time to act to make the construction industry future-proof!
The construction industry: A top employer with future potential!
Despite all the challenges posed by the skill shortage, the construction industry offers huge opportunities and can position itself as a highly attractive employer of the future. With innovation, digitization, and a modern working environment, you can inspire young talents and retain experienced professionals in your company. Remember: The construction industry shapes our living spaces and our infrastructure – this is an incredibly meaningful activity with diverse development opportunities! We at Valoon GmbH support you in optimizing your communication and project management processes to increase your efficiency. So you can focus on what really matters: executing excellent construction projects and meeting the Fachkräftemangel Baubranche challenges successfully. Explore your options now and help shape the future of the construction industry.. Register for free or contact us today for personalized advice – we look forward to showing you how we can help you overcome your challenges!
What are the main causes of the skills shortage in the construction industry?
The skills shortage in the construction industry is primarily caused by the demographic change (many retirements), a need for improvement in industry image and a declining number of apprentices . Many young people also prefer an academic career over skilled trades.
How does the skills shortage concretely affect my construction company?
Lack of skilled workers often leads to project delays of an average of 10-15 weeks, increasing wage costs due to increased competition for personnel and an overburdening of your existing employees. This can directly jeopardize your company’s competitiveness and profitability.
Can digitization really help mitigate the skills shortage?
Yes, while digitization cannot eliminate the skills shortage, it can significantly alleviate. By optimizing processes and using smart software, your teams can work more efficiently and thus partially compensate for the personnel shortage. Studies show that skilled workers often only use about 30% of their time for core tasks – here lies enormous optimization potential.
How does Valoon software support my company during personnel shortages?
Valoon simplifies the data collection and communication through seamless integration of well-known messaging services like WhatsApp. This reduces training efforts to a minimum, automates the structuring of information, and relieves your skilled workers from time-consuming administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on their core competencies.
Is the implementation of Valoon complicated for my field staff?
No, Valoon is designed for maximum simplicity and user-friendliness . Since your employees can use familiar messaging services, the onboarding time is minimal and the acceptance in the team is usually very high, which lowers the barriers to entry for digitization.
My team is international and speaks different languages – does Valoon help with language barriers?
Yes, Valoon offers a automatic translation feature in over 50 languages.. This significantly facilitates communication in multilingual teams, helps avoid misunderstandings, and improves collaboration with international skilled workers and partners.
