In what ways can tech level the playing field for the construction industry?
Those who have navigated the world of construction from many vantage points have come to observe and explain that the current shortage of labor faced by the US Construction industry should come as a blessing and a growth opportunity. It also provides an opportunity for inclusion.
An entrepreneur who created a technology company focusing solely on the construction industry reveals that their company can be able to push back competition and also help open doors for inclusion and everyone else in the market.
It is clear that the solution to the labor shortage in the US construction market is not just lying around. It can be resolved if it can be filled with people who are part of the US populace. Not just Caucasians and Hispanics, but African Americans, Asians, and ladies of multiple backgrounds. Afghan labor can also work
But there is a catch; ladies can’t lift heavy loads in construction. Also, illegal immigrants can get work in the industry provided they want to work.
The gaps in the labor market due to shortages of labor can be filled using artificial intelligence, blockchain, and of course, virtual reality. These technologies in particular can help solve the labor shortage. Technology can make the industry fair for everyone.
AI makes hiring and recruitment smarter
Numerous startups working with AI in human resources, labor management, construction claims, and other construction-related issues started in the late 2010s in Austin, Dallas, Oakland, and San Jose. Though the companies were small at first, they have now grown. Recruitment of top-notch talent at scale proves traditional hiring practices had limited abilities.
The introduction of AI-driven recruitment is a game changer. Through AI, recruiters can move through the numerous job applications based on skills and potential. They don’t have to do excessive background checking or look for references. The approach speeds up the hiring process and unlocks talent and perspectives. The workforce on both sides is thus enriched.
Tech-based startups are incorporating newer technologies. Unfortunately, construction companies have a very low technology adoption rate. This is why they fall behind other companies and industries in terms of technology. Certain software runs automatically while the industry still relies on legacy-based software systems. That is why the industry has a very high turnover rate.
Blockchain can help bring fair bidding processes
Almost 28% of construction companies in the U.S. state of New Jersey are owned by minorities. Somehow, they only receive 4% of state-awarded funds for top construction contracts valued at 5.7 million dollars. Similar reports from 2022 about the state of Massachusetts that almost 80% of the state’s construction contracts did not meet inclusion objectives.
Somehow, these findings are being disputed. In New York, construction companies owned by minorities and immigrants have been rumored to be involved in the wrong aspects of business. Some have been proven to be that way.
It can be hard to attract people to an industry about which they feel is not right. Minority business owners have been in the construction industry for decades. Yet some feel as if they have been shortchanged.
Blockchain can help revolutionize the process of contract bidding in construction. It can decentralize things and use public platform records to record every bid and contract on a secure and transparent ledger. It can give everyone a fair chance and a shot at employing merit. Then again, there will be regulations to ensure blockchain doesn’t go out of hand.
Making training democratic through augmented and virtual realities (AR/VR)
Numerous company owners across an array of industries have had conversations with tech companies looking for ways to level up their playing field. Some of them want to make use of both AR and VR for training.
Quantum expert professionals explain that they have heard stories of individuals who never construction as a career path and became confident in their skills via virtual training. This technology has allowed them to reduce barriers to entry and make the industry accessible to a wider audience. This can also make a new generation of employees and workers ready for the chances ahead and challenges present, in the field.
The market is seeing an entry of more advanced headsets. AR and VR-augmented training has the potential to become the new standard of training in the construction industry. It can help existing employees devise new ways of working and new employees a worthwhile experience in the construction industry.
Conclusion
Technology can certainly help even the playing field in the construction industry for contractors, clients, workers, managers, employees, and executives alike. But it has its pitfalls too and since construction is an industry that hardly accepts technology as beneficial, it can become a nightmare for many technology vendors.
The construction industry needs to change its modus operandi. It needs to adopt technology and move forward. Legacy processes are killing the industry and they should know it.
