Labor Shortage

Data center demand and rising costs define commercial construction in early 2026

CBIZ's Q1 2026 Commercial Construction Index points to surging data center work, stubborn labor shortages, and climbing material prices as the quarter's definin

Construction industry signals mixed: jobs rise, spending splits and labor shortage costs mount

Nonresidential construction added 15,700 jobs in May and job openings rose by 25,000 in April, even as private spending fell and labor costs stayed hidden.

Why the Trades Need a Cultural Reset to Attract and Retain the Next Generation

The skilled trades are at a critical crossroads. According to an August 2025 report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the number of women working in construction and extraction occupations rose to 366,360 in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. Yet despite that growth, women still account for only about 4.3% of construction…

AI Is Forcing a Rethink of Data Center Infrastructure at Every Level

The data center industry is being redefined by AI’s demand for faster, denser, and more scalable infrastructure. According to McKinsey, average rack power densities have more than doubled in just two years. It went from approximately 8 kW to 17 kW, and is expected to hit 30 kW by 2027. Global data center power demand is projected…

Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-Dominated Field: What It Means to Be a Young Female Tech in HVAC

As America ramps up its focus on rebuilding infrastructure and domestic manufacturing, the skilled trades are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. With a national labor shortage in HVAC and related fields, companies are hungry for the next generation of technicians—and women are stepping into the space like never before. Only 2 percent…

AI in HVAC Speeds Up Troubleshooting, Automates Training, and Connects Techs to the Right Data Instantly

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming field service operations across skilled trades, and HVAC is no exception. AI in HVAC is reshaping how technicians access information, troubleshoot systems, and stay productive on the job. As the industry faces an ongoing labor shortage and rising equipment complexity, the need for smarter tools is urgent, especially as…

A Greener Future in HVAC: Balancing Innovation and Environmental Responsibility with Mike Donahue

In an industry grappling with unprecedented changes, from liquid cooling innovations to bridging labor gaps, the HVAC world is evolving rapidly. With sustainability and efficiency becoming central themes, it’s a critical moment for rethinking solutions and workforce development. The stakes are high—data centers alone, for instance, are expected to account for 3-4% of global…

Robots, Revenue, and the Race for the Future: Intelligent Automation Is Powering the Next Wave of Growth

It’s hard to ignore just how quickly the world around us is changing. Packages arrive faster than ever, store shelves restock almost instantly, and behind the scenes, businesses are racing to keep up with expectations that seem to climb by the day. But as the workforce shrinks and pressure rises—including a projected shortage of…

Adaptive Warehouse Automation Is Your Edge in an Unpredictable Environment

As consumer expectations for rapid delivery tighten supply chain timelines, warehouses face a logistical balancing act: they must move goods faster while dealing with labor shortages and ever-changing operational environments. Unlike manufacturing facilities, which thrive on predictable workflows, warehouses change minute by minute based on human activity, delivery windows, and inventory flow. Reflecting this operational…

Vecna Robotics CaseFlow Transforms Warehouse Operations with Automated Case Picking

As supply chains become more complex and labor shortages persist, warehouse operators are under mounting pressure to do more with less. In many facilities, over half of a worker’s time is spent not on picking items, but simply walking — an inefficiency that costs time, money, and morale. At the same time, the demand…

Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry

Strategic hiring practices and structured mentorship programs help mechanical contractors combat labor shortages while building sustainable teams

HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care

Skilled trades face a critical retention crisis as retirements vastly outpace new workers entering the field

Building a Skilled Trades Workforce: Certifications, Simulation-Based Training & Reskilling with SkillCat

Digital training and placement platforms are helping industries bridge a critical gap in skilled trades talent

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer are Key HVAC Workforce Development Strategies for a Growing Industry

As retirements accelerate, HVAC companies are racing to pass down critical expertise before institutional knowledge walks out the door

Balancing Growth and Sustainability in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Sofia Lozoya

A marketing leader reveals how the HVAC industry can modernize faster despite mounting labor shortages and resistance to change

Empowering the Next Generation Through Trade Education: Building Confidence, Career Paths, and Bright Futures

A growing worker shortage is pushing educators to introduce career pathways in trades earlier than ever before

Transform Construction Careers with Grit and Creative Campaigns to Close the Gap

A severe workforce shortage is forcing the construction industry to rethink how it attracts and retains talent for the next generation

The Key to Building a Successful Business in the Mechanical Industry: Keeping Employees Happy and Fostering Long-term Relationships

Mechanical contractors discover that treating workers like family and investing in their growth outperforms traditional management approaches

Empowering the Trades: The Humphrey & Associates Story

A family-run contractor harnesses employee ownership to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for the future

Unpacking Peak: How to Turn Your Current Operational Pains Into Future Gains

Warehouse leaders can harness peak season bottlenecks as catalysts for implementing automation that drives lasting operational efficiency

The New Frontier of Decarbonization with Built Environments and the City of Tomorrow: Part 2

Building America's sustainable future hinges on solving a critical shortage of skilled workers in construction

Skills Training with Interplay Learning and Ken Midgett

A veteran plumber turned educator reveals how simulation technology is reshaping workforce development in the trades