Construction Labour Shortage, Challenges, and Solutions: A Survey-Based Approach: Fid-Bau Portal

Construction Labour Shortage, Challenges, and Solutions: A Survey-Based Approach

Kumarage, Nipun / Gill, Simrat Pal Kaur / Gill, Aekamjot / Kaluthantirige, Piyaruwan / Silva, Lahiru / Hewage, Kasun / Ruwanpura, Janaka

Abstract

The Canadian Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry contributes about 7.5% of the Canadian GDP and employs over a 1.4 million of the Canadian working population. The literature shows that the Canadian AEC industry highly depends on skilled and diverse labour, labour productivity, and workmanship quality. According to the Canadian Construction Association, 2022, there is a significant labour shortage for construction activities due to various reasons that delay construction activities and reduce construction efficiencies. Although this was discussed in various forums in diverse communities, a sustainable solution for this challenge must be considered. Labour shortage caused a lack of awareness of construction market behaviours, unpredicted market fluctuations, a lack of specialized skill development programmes, and a lack of career progression paths. Implementing state-of-the-art technologies and construction automation are potential solutions to reduce the need for labour forces in the construction industry. This study aims to develop survey-based solutions to an existing labour shortage in the Canada Residential Framing Industry and provide a scientific framework to attract and retain construction labour in the residential framing industry. The findings of this research revealed that (1) awareness and labour attraction programmes for the potential workforce on residential framing; (2) standardized compensation, recognition, and career progression programme embedded with training and education to retain existing labour; and (3) potential re-skilling opportunities to reduce seasonal volatility are critical to improving the attraction and retention of skilled labour to the residential framing industry. When considering the expected benefits from workers, wages, working environment, job security, career path, and company ethics were ranked accordingly. In conclusion, these findings can be used to formulate policies and develop frameworks to mitigate future labour-related concerns in the Canadian residential framing industry.