The construction sector employed over *** million people in the United States in April 2025, which was the highest number since the 21st century. There is a strong correlation between the amount of investment in construction and demand for workers. For example, in the years following the 2008 financial crisis, the value of new construction put in place in the U.S. decreased, which also translated in lower employee numbers in the construction sector. How to improve the job shortage? Many contractors have reported difficulty finding skilled workers recently. However, that has not only been the case in the construction industry, but in many other sectors of the economy too. For example, U.S. restaurants reported shortages in different positions in the past years. Although there are many reasons why workers may quit, in general, an increase in the salaries of construction employees may help in reducing the number of resignations. Worker shortages in Europe The United States is not the only country where companies have been facing these challenges. Thus, the percentage of French infrastructure companies reporting staff shortage peaked in 2019 and 2023. However, there are certain industries that struggle finding new employees more than construction. Social and care work had the highest skilled labor shortages in Germany.

After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants in the U.S. have been able to find enough staff to fill all open positions. According to the source, ** percent of restauranteurs reported that workers higher expectation for competitive wages was a reason for the labor shortage.

IntroductionShortages of health professionals is a common problem in humanitarian settings, including among migrants and refugees at the US-Mexico border. We aimed to investigate determinants and recruitment recommendations for working with migrants to better understand how to improve health professional participation in humanitarian efforts.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with health professionals working with migrants at the US-Mexico border in Matamoros and Reynosa, Mexico. The study aimed to identify motivations, facilitators, barriers, and sacrifices to humanitarian work, and recommendations for effective learning approaches to increase participation. Participants included health professionals working within humanitarian organizations to deliver healthcare to migrants living in non-permanent encampments. Interviews lasted approximately 45 min and were analyzed in NVivo14 using a validated codebook and team-based methodology.ResultsAmong 27 participants, most were female (70%) with median age 32. Health professionals included nurses (41%), physicians (30%), logisticians (11%), social workers (7%), an EMT (4%), and a pharmacist (4%) from the US (59%), Mexico (22%), Cuba (11%), Peru (4%), and Nicaragua (4%) working for four organizations. Participants expressed internal motivations for working with migrants, including a desire to help vulnerable populations (78%), past experiences in humanitarianism (59%), and the need to address human suffering (56%). External facilitators included geographic proximity (33%), employer flexibility (30%), and logistical support (26%). Benefits included improved clinical skills (63%), sociocultural learning (63%), and impact for others (58%). Negative determinants included sacrifices such as career obligations (44%), family commitments (41%), and safety risks (41%), and barriers of limited education (44%) and volunteer opportunities (37%). Participants criticized aspects of humanitarian assistance for lower quality care, feeling useless, and minimizing local capacity. Recommendations to increase the health workforce caring for migrants included integration of humanitarian training for health students (67%), collaborations between health institutions and humanitarian organizations (52%), and improved logistical and mental health support (41%).ConclusionHealth professionals from diverse roles and countries identified common determinants to humanitarian work with migrants. Recommendations for recruitment reflected feasible and collaborative approaches for professionals, organizations, and trainees to pursue humanitarian health. These findings can be helpful in designing interventions to address workforce shortages in humanitarian migrant contexts.

Demobilization following the First World War saw millions of soldiers return to their home countries from the trenches, and in doing so, they brought with them another wave of the deadliest and far-reaching pandemic of all time. As the H1N1 influenza virus, known as the Spanish Flu, spread across the world and infected between one third and a quarter of the global population, it impacted all areas of society. One such impact was on workers' wages, as the labor shortage drove up the demand for skilled workers, which then increased wages. In the United States, wages had already increased due to the shortage of workers caused by the war, however the trend increased further in the two or three years after the war, despite the return of so many personnel from overseas.

In the first fifteen years of the twentieth century, wages across the shown industries had increased gradually and steadily in line with inflation, with the hourly wage in manufacturing increasing from roughly 15 cents per hour to 21 cents per hour in this period. Between 1915 and 1921 or 1921 however, the hourly rate more than doubled across most of these industries, with the hourly wage in manufacturing increasing from 21 cents per hour in 1915 to 56 cents per hour in 1920. Although manufacturing wages were the lowest among those shown here, the trend was similar across even the highest paying trades, with hourly wages in the building trade increasing from 57 cents per hour in 1915 to one dollar and eight cents in 1921. The averages of almost all these trades decreased again in 1922, before plateauing or increasing at a slower rate throughout the late 1920s. Other factors, such as the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and subsequent Great Depression, make comparing this data with wages in later decades more difficult, but it does give some insight into the economic effects of pandemics in history.

Graph and download economic data for Job Openings: Total Nonfarm (JTSJOL) from Dec 2000 to May 2025 about job openings, vacancy, nonfarm, and USA.

In 2019, a Statista study on labor shortages showed that in 2020, 16 percent of the North American workforce were working in low-skilled occupations, with this share decreasing to 15 percent by 2030.

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) 2000-2025From the BLS:Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey Overview PageThe Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) is a monthly survey that has been developed to address the need for data on job openings, hires, and separations.PurposeThese data serve as demand-side indicators of labor shortages at the national level. Prior to JOLTS, there was no economic indicator of the unmet demand for labor with which to assess the presence or extent of labor shortages in the United States. The availability of unfilled jobs—the job openings rate—is an important measure of the tightness of job markets, parallel to existing measures of unemployment.ScopeData from a sample of approximately 21,000 U.S. business establishments are collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through JOLTS Data Collection Centers in Atlanta and Kansas City. The JOLTS survey covers all nonagricultural industries in the public and private sectors for the 50 States and the District of Columbia.Data ElementsJOLTS collects data on Total Employment, Job Openings, Hires, Quits, Layoffs & Discharges, and Other Separations. For more information on the JOLTS data elements, see the JOLTS data definitions page.Reference PeriodsTotal Employment - the pay period that includes the 12th of the month.Job Openings - the last business day of the month.Hires and Separations - the entire calendar month.

According to the most recent population forecasts for Switzerland (Bundesamt für Statistik 2015), the share of old-age dependants (older than 65 years) relative to the working age population (20-64) is going to increase from 29.1% in 2015 to 48.1% in 2045. In the same time span, total population is expected to grow from 8.3 million to 10.2 million while the potential workforce is growing from 4.8 million to 5.3 million. As a result, potential labour supply per capita is decreasing and at the same time the share of old-age dependants as well as the average age of the population are increasing rapidly. Among other problems, this is going to lead to significant distortions on labour markets; such as labour shortages or shifts in the structure of labour demand due to shifts in final goods demand. Furthermore, the current political climate in Switzerland tends towards restricting immigration. Since the Swiss economy already relies heavily on foreign workers, a restriction of immigration might aggravate the predicted labour supply shortages even further.

The goal of this research project is to evaluate the consequences of population ageing for the Swiss labour market. A special focus lies on the labour demand side, specifically on medium and long term sectoral and occupational shifts caused by a decrease in (skilled) labour supply and a change in consumer demand structure due to the demographic change. Moreover, the general equilibrium effects of different policy reforms will be evaluated and compared. To achieve this goal we construct a dynamic overlapping generations (OLG) computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of Switzerland and calibrate it with current Swiss data. Models of this type are the conventional approach to evaluating inter- and intra-generational effects of population ageing. However, only few studies focus on the labour market and even fewer emphasise the demand side. The evidence is particularly scarce for Switzerland, where only a handful of general equilibrium analyses relating to population ageing have been conducted.

In order to facilitate estimating realistic parameters of the model as well as calibrating the model to expected short and medium term industry-specific developments we conduct a customised firm level survey, which, on its own, already constitutes a significant contribution to the relevant literature. The finalised model does not only allow us to predict transitional and long-term effects of the demographic change on the economy and the industry structure. It also provides us with the ability to evaluate and compare different reform proposals, such as an increase in the retirement age, reforms of the pension and healthcare systems and different immigration scenarios. As such, we will be able to give recommendations for optimal policy choice and provide valuable inputs to the political debate.

Overview

New York, NY – June 12, 2025: The global healthcare staffing market is projected to grow from US$ 45.1 billion in 2024 to approximately US$ 82.3 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. North America leads the market with a dominant share of 39.7%, amounting to US$ 17.9 billion in 2024. This growth is driven by several interconnected factors, including workforce shortages, ageing populations, rising chronic disease rates, and shifting care models. These dynamics are creating sustained demand for healthcare professionals across various settings, prompting healthcare providers to increasingly depend on staffing firms to maintain continuity of care.

A key growth driver is the rising global shortage of healthcare workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030. This shortage is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries but also impacts high-income nations. In the United States, over 193,000 registered nurse positions open each year, largely due to retirements and turnover. Staffing agencies help bridge these gaps by offering travel nurses, locum tenens, and temporary staffing solutions, ensuring uninterrupted patient care across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is another major factor fueling demand. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity require continuous and specialized care. According to the WHO, cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death. Managing chronic illnesses demands skilled nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff. Staffing firms are crucial in filling these roles, particularly as healthcare systems become overburdened. This long-term demand is prompting organizations to partner with workforce providers that can deliver trained personnel quickly and consistently.

Demographic changes, especially the ageing population, are further intensifying workforce needs. The global population aged 60 and above is expected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 2.1 billion by 2050. Older adults typically require more healthcare services, from hospital stays to home-care support. As the number of elderly patients grows, healthcare institutions are expanding their partnerships with staffing agencies to maintain adequate personnel levels, especially in geriatrics, palliative care, and rehabilitation services. These trends are particularly visible in countries such as the U.S., where the elderly population is expanding rapidly.

Emerging healthcare models and digital transformation are reshaping staffing requirements. The shift toward community-based and home-care services is increasing demand for flexible roles outside hospital settings. Additionally, rapid adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and AI tools has created a need for professionals trained in digital platforms. The World Health Organization has introduced guidelines to support digital upskilling in the health workforce. As a result, staffing firms are evolving to provide personnel with both clinical expertise and technological proficiency, meeting the dual need for healthcare and digital competence.

Graph and download economic data for All Employees, Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (CEU6562300001) from Jan 1990 to Jun 2025 about nursing homes, nursing, health, establishment survey, residential, education, services, employment, and USA.

The number of production workers in the construction industry in the United States has increased in 2021 and 2022. In 2006, there were 9.56 million construction workers in the U.S., after which construction employment fell sharply. The reason for that decrease was the economic crisis that started in 2008. Construction labor shortage As the world rapidly urbanizes, the construction industry struggles to keep up with the need for new infrastructure and buildings. However, many people now avoid construction jobs as they are perceived to be difficult, dirty, or dangerous. The shortage of skilled construction labor has been immense across the U.S. and Canada, in the latter country, the number of vacancies in the construction sector peaked in April 2022, as they represented over eight percent of all construction jobs. However, those figures are still quite high. Construction labor costs worldwide The cost of salaries and wages in the European Union have increased at a fast pace, with an increase of over 50 percent between 2015 and 2023. In the United Kingdom, the type of subcontractor workers with the highest salaries were those in electrical and plumbing construction trades. While roofing and steel and timber frame erection were among the trades with the lowest salaries. The overall salary expenditure in the construction industry soared in Argentina during that period. However, those figures can also be influenced by other factors, including inflation. In addition to that, those figures measure the overall spending on labor, which does not only depend on the value of the average salary, but also on how many people were employed at a given point in time.

Graph and download economic data for Job Openings: Construction (JTS2300JOL) from Dec 2000 to May 2025 about job openings, vacancy, construction, and USA.

Personal care assistance (PCA) provides vital support so rural disabled people and older adults can live in their communities. Currently, the state of home and community-based services in the United States is dire, with major shortfalls in access and utilization of these services. Moreover, little is known about the experiences of people living in rural areas who need paid, inhome assistance with activities of daily living. Because rural areas are often underserved and under-resourced, this study aimed to understand the experiences of rural users of personal care assistance services to inform the development of a training for rural people. Between February and November of 2021, 38 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 self-identified rural-dwelling people across the United States who use paid PCAs. Interview topics included finding, hiring, and training workers; worker qualities; and how living in a rural place impacted PCA services. Using thematic coding, results highlight how rurality intersected with participants’ daily experiences. Respondents identified 3 barriers to getting PCA services: (1) lack of transportation and travel distance, (2) worker shortages, and (3) fewer local community services; and one facilitator of obtaining PCA services: strong community connection. Additionally, some aspects of rural culture—such as valuing a slower pace of life, independence, and rugged individualism—presented both barriers and opportunities for rural PCA recipients. As the home care worker shortage crisis in the United States is expected to worsen in coming decades, rural people needing PCA services face unique circumstances related to place and culture.

The technology sector continues to grapple with significant skill gaps, particularly in cybersecurity. A recent survey of IT professionals in the United States reveals that ** percent identified cybersecurity as the area with the greatest skill shortage in 2024. This finding underscores the ongoing challenge of meeting the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in an increasingly digital world. Global impact of cybersecurity skill shortages The cybersecurity skill gap is not limited to the United States. The Asia-Pacific region faces the largest workforce gap, with over **** million IT security professionals needed. Globally, there is a shortage of around *** million cybersecurity professionals. This widespread deficit highlights the critical need for education and training programs to address the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise worldwide. Progress and challenges in addressing skill gaps Despite the ongoing shortages, there are signs of progress in addressing cybersecurity skill gaps. From 2020 to 2024, the percentage of U.S. states with staff possessing required cybersecurity skills increased from ** percent to ** percent. However, challenges remain, as evidenced by the cybersecurity worker-to-job opening ratio in the United States, which stands at ** percent, meaning there are only enough workers to fill ** percent of the available cybersecurity jobs, with significant variations across states. Looking ahead, the U.S. cybersecurity workforce is projected to grow from approximately ******* jobs in 2024 to over ******* by 2034, indicating a continued need for skilled professionals in this critical field.

This November, the price for fresh whole body turkeys surpassed November 2020 figures by 9%, while frozen whole body turkeys jumped 20% y-o-y. A short supply of workers led to lower turkey output and higher prices on the backdrop of consistently strong consumer demand. Turkey imports to the U.S. maintained the previous year’s levels. Canada and Chile remain the only turkey suppliers to America. Unprecedented inflation rates have struck the entire food sector, in October 2021, price increases for meats, poultry, fish and eggs became the highest recorded in the past 30 years.

United States Pipe For Building Construction Market size was valued at USD 11,387.16 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 16,825.80 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% from 2024 to 2031.

United States Pipe For Building Construction Market Overview

The growing construction in the U.S. is a significant driver of the U.S. Pipe for Building Construction Market in the near future. Pipe has a multiple application in construction of building for example it is used for water distribution, sewage and drainage, HVAC, electrical wiring, stormwater drainage, etc. Growing population, increasing construction activities, and growing infrastructure development driving the construction industry in the U.S. The construction industry is important to the US economy, with over 745,000 enterprises employing around 7.8 million people annually. Total construction spending in 2023 was $1.98 trillion, up 7.4% from the previous year. Nonresidential building grew 17.6% year on year, whereas residential construction spending declined by 3% due to rising interest rates and inflation. The construction industry accounts for roughly 4.3% of U.S. GDP.

However, the labor shortages in the construction industry is anticipated to negatively affect the market growth. The construction industry relies heavily on skilled labor to install and maintain piping systems efficiently and safely. However, the shortage of qualified workers delays project completion, which in turn postpones the demand for construction materials, including pipes. This labor shortfall became particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted into 2023, affecting the pace at which new projects can be initiated and completed.

The United States Prefabricated Building market is forecasted to add more than USD 19 Billion from 2024 to 2029 due to rising construction demand, labor shortage, and sustainable b

The United States home construction market, valued at approximately $700 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 3% through 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, a persistent housing shortage, particularly in desirable urban areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, continues to drive demand. Secondly, favorable demographic trends, including millennial household formation and an increasing preference for homeownership, are bolstering the sector. Furthermore, low interest rates (though this is subject to change depending on economic conditions) have historically made mortgages more accessible, stimulating construction activity. However, the market isn't without its challenges. Rising material costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions continue to exert upward pressure on construction prices, potentially impacting affordability and slowing growth in certain segments. The market is segmented by dwelling type (apartments & condominiums, villas, other), construction type (new construction, renovation), and geographic location, with significant activity concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The dominance of large national builders like D.R. Horton, Lennar Corp, and PulteGroup highlights the industry's consolidation trend, while the growth of multi-family construction reflects shifting urban preferences. Looking ahead, the market's trajectory will depend on macroeconomic factors, interest rate fluctuations, government policies impacting housing affordability, and the ability of the industry to address supply-chain and labor challenges. Innovation in construction technologies, sustainable building practices, and prefabricated homes are also emerging trends expected to significantly influence market dynamics over the forecast period. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large publicly traded companies and smaller regional builders. While established players dominate the market share, opportunities exist for smaller firms specializing in niche markets, such as sustainable or luxury home construction, or those focused on specific geographic areas. The ongoing expansion of the market signifies significant potential for investment and growth, despite the hurdles currently impacting the sector. Addressing supply chain disruptions and labor shortages will be crucial for sustained growth. Continued demand in key urban centers and evolving consumer preferences toward specific dwelling types will be critical factors determining the market's future trajectory. Recent developments include: June 2022 - Pulte Homes - a national brand of PulteGroup, Inc. - announced the opening of its newest Boston-area community, Woodland Hill. Offering 46 new construction single-family homes in the charming town of Grafton, the community is conveniently located near schools, dining, and entertainment, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail less than a mile away. The collection of home designs at Woodland Hill includes three two-story floor plans, ranging in size from 3,013 to 4,019 sq. ft. with four to six bedrooms, 2.5-3.5 baths, and 2-3 car garages. These spacious home designs feature flexible living spaces, plenty of natural light, gas fireplaces, and the signature Pulte Planning Center®, a unique multi-use workstation perfect for homework or a family office., December 2022 - D.R. Horton, Inc. announced the acquisition of Riggins Custom Homes, one of the largest builders in Northwest Arkansas. The homebuilding assets of Riggins Custom Homes and related entities (Riggins) acquired include approximately 3,000 lots, 170 homes in inventory, and 173 homes in the sales order backlog. For the trailing twelve months ended November 30, 2022, Riggins closed 153 homes (USD 48 million in revenue) with an average home size of approximately 1,925 square feet and an average sales price of USD 313,600. D.R. Horton expects to pay approximately USD 107 million in cash for the purchase, and the Company plans to combine the Riggins operations with the current D.R. Horton platform in Northwest Arkansas.. Notable trends are: High-interest Rates are Negatively Impacting the Market.

This table contains 792 series, with data for years 1992 - 2008 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years), and is no longer being released. This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (1 item: Canada), Manufacturers' opinions (21 items: Production difficulties, skilled labour shortage; Production difficulties, unskilled labour shortage; Production difficulties, raw material shortage; Production difficulties, working capital shortage; ...), North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (22 items: Manufacturing; Food manufacturing; Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing; Textile mills; ...), Seasonal adjustment (2 items: Unadjusted; Seasonally adjusted).

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Construction 4.0 Market Size 2024-2028

The construction 4.0 market size is forecast to increase by USD 14.3 billion at a CAGR of 14.8% between 2023 and 2028.

In the construction industry, the integration of digital technologies is revolutionizing business operations, leading to the emergence of Construction 4.0. This transformation is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of logistics solutions, such as connection solutions and RFID tags, for improved supply chain management. Construction wearables equipped with sensors and wi-fi capabilities are gaining popularity for enhancing worker safety and productivity.
Moreover, Big data analytics is being leveraged to optimize project planning and resource allocation. However, this digital shift also presents challenges, such as ensuring cybersecurity and remote management of complex systems. Companies must address these issues to fully reap the benefits of Construction 4.0 and remain competitive in the market.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional methods towards a more digitized and interconnected future. This shift, often referred to as Construction 4.0, is focusing on enhancing project management, improving workforce development, and promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. Construction Project Management: Construction project management is a critical aspect of the industry, and technology is playing a pivotal role in streamlining processes. Scheduling software and resource management tools help optimize workflows, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. IoT (Internet of Things) technology is also being integrated into construction projects to monitor progress and identify potential issues in real-time.
Moreover, the construction workforce is evolving, with a growing emphasis on skills training and upskilling. Construction technology is being used to create interactive training programs, allowing workers to learn new techniques and gain certifications from the comfort of their own homes. This not only helps improve the overall skill level of the workforce but also addresses the current labor shortage. Construction projects are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Construction software and technology solutions are being used to optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials. This not only helps reduce the environmental impact of construction projects but also contributes to cost optimization and long-term savings.
Consequently, construction productivity is a key concern for industry stakeholders, and technology is helping to address this challenge. Construction automation and robotics are being used to automate repetitive tasks, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing overall productivity. Construction cost optimization is also a priority, with technology being used to analyze project data and identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising quality. Construction quality control is essential for ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards. Technology is being used to automate quality inspections and identify potential issues early on in the construction process.


Moroever, construction safety is another critical area, with technology being used to monitor worksites in real time and alert workers to potential hazards. Resource Management and Consultancy Services: Effective resource management is crucial for the success of construction projects. Construction technology is being used to optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency. Consultancy services are also becoming increasingly popular, with construction firms turning to experts for guidance on the latest trends and best practices. Conclusion: The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with technology playing a key role in enhancing productivity, promoting sustainability, and improving overall efficiency. From construction project management and workforce development to energy efficiency and safety, technology is helping to address the challenges facing the industry and pave the way for a more innovative and efficient future.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Commercial
  Residential


Solution

  Software
  Hardware
  Services


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Spain


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  M