The need for more multifamily homes keeps increasing in the U.S. But while real estate companies are ready to meet this rising demand, the construction worker job market is unprepared.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, housing demands are expected to grow by 6% in 2026, with around 336,000 new residential units ready to begin construction.¹
The problem is that the housing industry might not have enough construction laborers to supply its workforce needs. Based on a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 94% of construction firms say they can’t find enough workers today.²
If construction companies themselves are having trouble with their workforce, it’s even tougher for other industries that rely on construction staff, including multifamily housing.
As a result, many project managers struggle with major delays and lower quality in their ongoing construction projects. If your multifamily housing company deals with the same challenge, you’re not alone.
The good news is, there are smart strategies that can help you adapt to this heavy labor shortage. With the right staffing solutions and partners, your housing projects can stay on track in no time without compromising quality.
Why Is It Hard to Find Construction Workers Today?
There’s indeed a large gap between construction demands and available workers today, and here’s why:
The Workforce is Aging, and Younger Workers Aren’t Joining
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 36% of construction laborers are 45 years old and above.³ Many are bound to retire in the next few years, while some are already leaving to find other jobs. At the same time, not enough workers from the younger generations are joining to fill the gap.
Potential Workers Consider Construction Work a Tough Career
After the pandemic, many professionals started to rethink their careers. People now see construction work as a job involving difficult conditions without enough compensation.
It is easy to compare it to industries like technology or marketing that offer higher salaries and flexible work arrangements. Today, more lucrative, flexible, and stable roles, despite major world events, have become much more attractive than construction jobs.
Many Industries, Including Construction, Have a Skills Gap Problem
Building multifamily properties takes more than just knowing basic construction tasks like carpentry or working with cement. Companies today look for workers who already have a grasp of the complete range of construction work involved in residential housing. This includes HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and even legal compliance.
There may be interested candidates, but it can be tough to find professionals with the necessary training or certifications for the job. At the same time, training and educational resources are not always readily available to them.
Various Industries Are Competing for Skilled Construction Workers
Multifamily housing is not the only industry that’s looking for skilled workers. Companies in manufacturing, logistics, technology, and energy also have to build new warehouses and industrial compounds as they expand.
These industries also need seasoned construction workers who can satisfy their strict deadlines and quality demands. This means that many companies are also doing their best to attract the best construction professionals in the market.
How to Staff Your Housing Construction Projects During Workforce Shortages
Your construction projects cannot stop as the demand for more homes keeps rising. While the country struggles to find construction workers, what can multifamily businesses do to keep things going without compromising quality? Here are some suggestions:
1. Offer a Complete Compensation Package
Today, employees are looking for more than just higher salaries. They also want a better work-life balance, especially because the pandemic showed that flexible work arrangements do not compromise productivity.
To be more competitive in the job market, consider being more transparent and generous with your job descriptions. Post the salary range plus all the benefits your company can offer, even if it takes regularization or a specific performance rating to achieve them. You can also mention that flexible work arrangements can be negotiated, so candidates know that you’re open to hearing about their needs.
This not only makes your property company more attractive, but it also increases the job satisfaction and retention rate of your employees.
2. Access Alternative Ways to Hire Employees
Your current hiring strategies might be too focused on traditional methods, such as job boards and website posts. Here are other ways you can expand it:
- Tap into diversity hiring. Underrepresented groups are often overlooked when it comes to construction work. But they do provide highly qualified candidates who can fill your staffing gaps. Try partnering with organizations that support women, veterans, and minority workers to access a wider hiring pool.
- Invest in referrals. Referrals often result in high-quality hires because your current employees know what your company needs. To take advantage of this method, create a referral program where your in-house staff gets incentives once you hire a person they refer.
- Leverage social media. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are gold mines for recruiters. People already display their work experiences online, so the hiring process can be much faster for you.
3. Create a Proactive Staffing Plan Based on Data
Proactive staffing means planning in advance and not just reacting to current hiring problems. This powerful approach allows you to anticipate and solve staffing problems even before they arrive.
The first thing to do is to get more data. Looking back on previous projects, what kinds of work often get delayed? What expertise do you often have a problem looking for? Based on the types of projects in your pipeline, how many electricians, plumbers, and construction managers would you need in the next year?
Once you have all the important information, you can analyze your current workforce and work on it as soon as possible. For example, if you have a big 100-unit building project in six months, start recruiting and onboarding now. This way, you don’t have to pay extra for rush staffing or risk construction delays.
4. Invest in Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs are a more long-term staffing plan. It may not immediately provide staffing for your projects. But they are an effective way to future-proof your company’s workforce as you develop potential skilled professionals.
Consider teaming up with local trade schools or community colleges. Your seasoned construction professionals can train students and expose them to real entry level projects in your company. This way, you’re able to build a group of workers who already know how your company does things.
5. Build a Backup Talent Pool
The labor gap in construction may improve next year, but we’re not sure when it will happen again. Plus, other roles in multifamily housing, like leasing agents or project engineers, can also face a shortage at any time in the future.
A backup talent pool is a list of trusted contractors or potential candidates you can call once you need quick help. You can create this talent community by creating a database of names from previous job applications, internships, and mentorship programs. You can also try cross-training your current staff and record their expanding skills in case of emergency staffing situations.
6. Partner with Staffing Firms that Specialize in Real Estate
If you need help improving your workforce, then the best option you have is to get help from staffing experts. Staffing agencies are in the business of providing top-quality talent to their clients. They usually focus on a specific industry, so a real estate staffing firm will work best for you.
These agencies often have a pool of pre-vetted professionals ready to work, whether as temporary or permanent employees. Most staffing companies already cover candidate screening, payroll, and even training. This allows you to focus more on managing your construction projects and other core responsibilities.
Short on skilled construction workers? Work with The Liberty Group!
With 45 years of industry staffing experience, The Liberty Group remains a leading staffing company specializing in real estate needs.
With us, you get a wide range of top-quality staffing services all geared toward supporting your construction projects, from temporary staffing to contract-to-hire and direct hire recruiting. Rest assured that all our skilled candidates are pre-vetted and matched according to your specific demands.
Call us today so we can discuss your construction staffing needs as soon as possible!
References:
- Pagan, Stephanie. “Multifamily Market to Stabilize Toward the End of 2025.” National Association of Home Builders, 26 Feb. 2025, www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2025/02/multifamily-market-to-stabilize-toward-end-2025.
- “New Survey Shows How Nation’s Failure to Invest in Construction Education & Training Programs Makes It Hard for Firms to Build.” Associated General Contractors of America, 28 Aug. 2024, www.agc.org/news/2024/08/28/new-survey-shows-how-nations-failure-invest-construction-education-training-programs-makes-it-hard.
- “Employed Persons by Detailed Occupation and Age.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Jan. 2025, www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm.