Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow

The Q1 2018 USG Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index (Index), released today, reveals nearly two-thirds of contractors are highly confident that demand for commercial construction will increase over the next year, however, continued concerns around labor shortages have put even greater pressure on the industry. The Q1 Index indicates contractors turn to innovations such as prefabricated and modular building materials to create more efficient jobsites (89%), increase labor productivity (85%), drive cost savings (58%), and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace (51%). [...]50% of contractors report their companies already use prefabricated and modular components and the number was even higher among general contractors (72%).