Mass deportation and construction: What could it mean?
Is a worker shortage on the horizon for the construction industry? If President-elect Trump's deportation plans solidify, it could mean a scramble for construction businesses and adjacent industries. Today we look at this issue, as well as how to prioritize measured growth. Plus: Check out this dramatic rescue of a construction worker in Kentucky.
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Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:
// What mass deportations may mean for construction
// How to reduce the flu's impact on your workforce
// A look ahead to 2025 in construction
// Why 'no' is good for construction businesses
>> Who we're following: Alpha Structural (@alphastructural). This design-to-build structural repair company in Los Angeles shares site photos, funny behind-the-scenes moments and updates on its commercial and residential projects.
>> What we're listening to: The Timeless Leadership podcast. Host Scott Monty discusses the importance of keeping your word in this episode of his popular podcast on modern leadership and lessons from the past.
>> What we're re-reading: The Art of Explanation: How to communicate with clarity and confidence (Wildfire, 2023) by BBC News' Ros Atkins, who reveals the secret to being a stronger and more effective communicator.
>> What's happening soon: The Engineering Ethics: From Theory to Practice live online course, taking place Dec. 18. Not your typical case study overview, this American Society of Civil Engineers webinar will be taught by engineer-turned-philosopher Carlos Bertha, who will discuss moral theories, how to apply them and why they matter for engineers and others in the industry.
>> Just for fun: Smithsonian Magazine takes us behind the scenes to see how curators at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. help pandas feel welcome, including through the use of specially constructed habitats.
Deportation Details: Impacts on labor and the economy
The President-elect's proposed mass deportation plan continues to cause ripples in the construction industry. Company leaders and their employees are concerned about the proposal's harmful impact on the ongoing labor shortage in construction.
A recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reveals that almost all respondents are having trouble finding skilled hourly craftspeople (94%) and salaried construction professionals (92%).
“Sometimes it goes so long that there are just gaps where the higher-level positions can’t be filled,” says Stephen Sasa of Green Gables Design and Restoration in Portland, Ore., in a report on NPR's Marketplace. “If we haven’t been able to train somebody for the position and somebody leaves, that creates a huge problem.”
Why it matters: Deportations don't just shrink the already inadequate labor pool. The move has implications for local, state and national economies, too. "[Deported] people don’t earn money, they don’t produce, they don’t generate capital income for others,” American Enterprise Institute economist Stan Veuger tells Marketplace in a related report. “And so that just has a direct impact on aggregate GDP.” (Marketplace)
>> Tuition-free ed for BIPOC-, woman- and veteran-owned companies
>> AIA firm survey reveals room for growth, reports market trends
>> A look at the proposed Department of Government Efficiency
Site Safety: Protect your crew from the flu
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published detailed guidance for employers to help reduce the spread of flu this season. Here are four of their suggestions:
- Promote vaccination or host a workplace vaccination clinic
- Encourage sick workers to stay home
- Reinforce clean hand hygiene and cough etiquette
- Ensure good ventilation
Why it matters: A review of 63 studies found that at least one-fifth and as many as three-quarters of employees miss work because of the flu or flu-like symptoms. The mean number of days missed was two to three. Worth noting: Vaccinated employees miss fewer days than their counterparts. (OSHA)
Future Focus: "Measured growth" ahead
Analysts at JLL reported results and insights from the firm's 2025 U.S. Construction Outlook. Here are some key takeaways:
- Growing innovation and sustainability investment
- A boost from anticipated rate cuts and returning loan demand
- Small dips in annualized spending data early in the year with modest real growth by the close
Why it matters: Anticipating and addressing market trends is crucial to operational and financial success. "Having the right team in place to manage these nuanced pressures is critical,” notes Julie Hyson, the firm's Americas lead for portfolio clients, services and industries. (JLL)
- Business Holiday Card Messages The folks at Indeed have taken the guesswork out of what to say on your company's holiday card.
- Top Tech Trends Gartner analysts reviewed 10 tech trends to watch, including AI imperatives and risks, new frontiers and human-machine synergy.
- 🎧'No' Could Be Good for Business Builder Dan Flansburg sits down with host Todd Dawalt to discuss the upside of saying "no" in this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast.
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The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.
