Labor
Gen Z workers could help construction, facilities employers modernize their workforce
At an online hiring and talent retention event hosted by Construction Dive on August 26, multiple experts stated that Gen Z employees (the oldest of whom are nearly 30 years old) can bring technological application advantages to the construction and facility management industries and drive process optimization. By combining the digital skills of younger employees with the industry experience of senior staff, companies can accelerate technology adoption and alleviate labor shortages, while also needing to address Gen Z's demands for work-life balance, career development, and stability.
There are 3 skilled trade job openings for every qualified worker
Lightcast's new report systematically defines 135 skilled trades for the first time, finding approximately 2.1 million related job openings annually in the U.S., with about 3 positions per trained worker, and a talent gap of 1.3 million. Retirements account for 40% of annual openings, and over 25% of workers are aged above 55, intensifying labor shortage pressures.
Workplace meal expectations are rising: DoorDash survey
DoorDash released its 2026 Meal Impact Report, based on a survey of 1,019 U.S. corporate executives, finance, HR, and benefits leaders. The report shows that 54% of respondents believe meal benefit expectations have risen alongside costs, with a per-person monthly budget of $425 (averaging $21 per day). 44% of companies rank employee satisfaction as their top goal, above cost considerations (31%). The report emphasizes that flexibility and refined management matter more than sheer spending.
Employers offer loan repayment, ‘re-recruiting’ to attract skilled labor
Amid surging demand for data center construction, U.S. contractors face a shortage of skilled labor. Executives from Turner, Clayco, and DPR revealed at industry events that they are employing comprehensive strategies such as loan repayment, mobility bonuses, career development support, and local partnerships to address recruitment and retention challenges.
Food a key to retention, office experience, employees say
An ezCater survey of 1,000 U.S. employees found that 47% of those who transitioned from remote to hybrid or fully in-office work received no new benefits, and 27% said they would be more likely to seek a new job without incentives. Food benefits ranked second as an incentive for returning to the office, with 66% of employees expecting regular food benefits. The CEO of The FruitGuys noted that food helps build community and facilitate communication, and although ROI is difficult to quantify, it boosts engagement and satisfaction.
More job titles include AI across every sector
According to a new report from Indeed Hiring Lab, the number of positions in the US with "artificial intelligence" in their job titles has more than doubled since 2022, and AI job titles have expanded from the tech sector to non-tech industries, with non-tech AI positions accounting for more than half in five of the six surveyed markets.
California RTO mandate for state workers takes effect, putting spotlight on office readiness
California Governor Newsom has required state agencies to set four days per week in-office attendance as the default work mode, and the order took effect on July 1. This move involves approximately 109,000 employees, raising questions about office space capacity while facing opposition from unions.
Competition grows for HVAC, other technicians
The multifamily housing industry continues to face difficulties in recruiting skilled trades such as maintenance technicians and service supervisors, competing with sectors like construction and hospitality for the same talent pool. Companies such as Greystar and CAPREIT point out that the retirement of skilled workers and a shortage of younger entrants are creating long-term talent pipeline challenges. Firms are mitigating pressure through expanded training, mentorship programs, cultural development, and technology adoption, but recruitment difficulty is not expected to decrease significantly in the near term.
ASHRAE to tackle data centers, thermal systems at annual conference
The ASHRAE 2026 Annual Conference will be held from June 27 to July 5 in Austin, bringing together global HVAC and refrigeration experts. The conference features multiple technical sessions, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as data center HVAC systems, thermal energy networks, and variable refrigerant flow optimization, and offers continuing education courses. President Bill McQuade will summarize the healthy building achievements during his two-year term, and President-Elect Sarah Maston will unveil the new theme, 'Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.'