As the skilled labor shortage in construction and manufacturing continues to affect industries across the U.S., mid-sized businesses are struggling to adapt. The skilled labor shortage is a growing issue, with 60% of manufacturers identifying it as their top challenge. The skills gap is especially pronounced in industries like construction, where over 382,000 jobs remain open each month. For businesses with limited recruiting resources, leveraging digital tools is crucial to maintaining productivity. In fact, one manufacturer saved $570,000 annually by switching to digital forms, which showcases the impact of digital solutions in overcoming the skilled trades labor shortage.
The Skilled Labor Shortage in Mid-Sized Construction Teams
Skilled labor shortage statistics show that mid-sized teams have been impacted the hardest. With fewer workers entering the skilled trades, companies are left to compete for a shrinking talent pool. Mid-sized companies’ teams often don’t have the extensive resources to implement large-scale recruitment strategies or offer higher wages, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger organizations.
Key factors contributing to the shortage include:
- An aging workforce: Many workers are retiring, and younger generations aren’t filling the gap.
- Fewer new workers entering trades: Skilled trade schools and apprenticeship programs are struggling to attract new talent.
- Rising demand: As industries like construction continue to grow, the demand for skilled tradespeople is outpacing supply.
Use Digital Forms to Boost Efficiency Without Increasing Headcount
With the labor market tightening and unemployment rates dropping, the ability to do more with fewer people is paramount. Mid-sized teams, particularly in advanced manufacturing and construction, are turning to construction management software and workflows to address this challenge. By adopting mobile forms, checklists, and automated workflows, businesses can increase efficiency while maintaining their current workforce.
GoCanvas® offers a solution by streamlining workflows, improving data collection, and automating processes to help these teams operate more efficiently and maximize their existing workforce. With GoCanvas, construction teams can overcome the challenges posed by the skilled labor shortage and stay on top of project deadlines and budget constraints.
The Power of Mobile Forms and Checklists
Mobile forms and checklists are some of the most effective digital tools for improving efficiency. They streamline workflows, reduce paper waste, and help workers complete tasks faster and more accurately. These tools are particularly useful in industries like construction and manufacturing, where safety, accuracy, and timely completion are critical.
Benefits of mobile forms and checklists include:
- Easy access to real-time data: Workers can update tasks and log information directly from their mobile devices.
- Safety and compliance: Digital checklists ensure all safety protocols are followed, reducing risk.
- Streamlined inspections and reports: Instead of manually filling out forms, workers can complete forms on site and submit them instantly.
Digital tools like checklists help skilled tradespeople stay organized and on top of their tasks, improving productivity and compliance.
Why Digital Tools Appeal to Younger Tradespeople
The skilled trades have historically struggled to attract younger generations to the workforce. However, digital tools are changing the game. Younger workers who are more accustomed to technology find the integration of mobile apps, digital workflows, and cloud-based systems appealing.
As younger workers’ participation in the labor force increases, technical colleges, training programs, and internships are becoming key sources of new talent. The appeal of digital forms and mobile platforms makes the trades seem less outdated and more aligned with today’s workforce.
Younger generations are increasingly drawn to careers in skilled trades when employers offer opportunities for training, reskilling, and career development through manufacturing management software. The appeal of these roles is heightened when companies provide flexible scheduling and, where possible, remote work options that align with modern-day employees’ work-life balance expectations.
How Digital Tools Help Bridge the Skilled Labor Gap
The skills gap is a major barrier to filling job vacancies in the skilled trades. Many businesses are turning to digital tools to help bridge this gap and train workers more efficiently.
Here’s how digital tools make a difference:
- Online training programs: Workers can access skills training and certifications directly on their mobile devices.
- Reskilling opportunities: Companies can quickly reskill their current workforce to handle new technology or job requirements.
- Easier access to training: With mobile apps and cloud-based platforms, employees can complete apprenticeships and other training initiatives on their own time.
By offering digital learning and certification options, companies can ensure their workers are always up to date with safety compliance standards that will help close the skills gap.
Digital Workflows Drive Productivity in Construction
In a labor market where job positions remain unfilled, mid-sized teams need to maximize the productivity of their current workforce. One way to do this is to adopt digital workflows. By reducing the administrative burden, digital workflows help workers focus on core tasks rather than time-consuming paperwork.
For instance, a construction company could streamline its project management by using a mobile workflow that integrates tasks such as ordering materials, tracking deliveries, and conducting safety checks. This eliminates manual logging and allows skilled tradespeople to focus on delivering high-quality results on time. Digital analytics tools offer real-time updates, allowing for faster decision-making that is crucial in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
As a result, teams can take on more projects without increasing headcount, which directly impacts the labor force and helps close the gap created by the skilled worker shortage.
Ready to Bridge the Skilled Labor Gap?
The skilled labor shortage is a significant challenge for industries such as construction and manufacturing, but it can be overcome. With digital tools like mobile forms, checklists, and automated workflows, mid-sized businesses can boost efficiency, attract younger workers, and close the skills gap without needing to hire additional staff. Bridge the skilled labor gap and attract new talent by embracing digital transformation. Request a demo today to ensure a steady, productive, and highly skilled workforce for the future.
