Gen Z workers could help construction, facilities employers modernize their workforce

Gen Z’s comfort with technology could provide construction and facilities employers with an opportunity to improve processes while they replenish an aging skilled workforce, talent specialists say. 

By Lisa Burden • Sept. 1, 2026

There are 3 skilled trade job openings for every qualified worker

Employers face a gap of 1.3 million electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and other skilled workers, according to a report from labor market company Lightcast.   

By Lara Ewen • Aug. 31, 2026

Workplace meal expectations are rising: DoorDash survey

Organizations are prioritizing employee satisfaction over cost, and doing so without breaking the budget, the company says.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 28, 2026

Employers offer loan repayment, ‘re-recruiting’ to attract skilled labor

The data center boom is forcing contractors and other employers to rethink how they attract and retain sought-after workers like electricians and plumbers.

By Lisa Burden • Aug. 28, 2026

Skilled labor demand is exploding. AI is both a cause and a solution: NFPA

A survey by the National Fire Protection Association found that while AI is putting pressure on an already stretched fire and safety workforce, it is also making their jobs easier.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 19, 2026

Food a key to retention, office experience, employees say

Companies bringing employees back to the office without offering incentives are leaving opportunities for connection on the table, office caterers say.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 11, 2026

More job titles include AI across every sector

Employers want workers who know how to use AI-assisted software and can implement the technology into business operations, the report's author says.

By Lara Ewen • July 13, 2026

California RTO mandate for state workers takes effect, putting spotlight on office readiness

The mandate is a test case for how well the state’s facilities can accommodate a workforce that largely wants to keep working remotely, one workplace specialist says.  

By Joe Burns • July 8, 2026

Competition grows for HVAC, other technicians

The challenge is a shortage of skilled professionals entering the trades, say multifamily company executives.   

By Keith Loria • July 2, 2026

ASHRAE to tackle data centers, thermal systems at annual conference

The engineering society’s annual meeting, starting this weekend in Austin, Texas, will have programs on managing energy costs and integrating energy storage projects, among others.

By Joe Burns • June 26, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies to give students inside look at ballpark operations

In a partnership with NEST, the baseball team is opening its HVAC control room and other mechanical spaces to high school students so they can experience managing a professional sports facility.

By Joe Burns • May 29, 2026

Labor Department rescinds Biden-era overtime rule, formalizing return to 2019 salary threshold

The salary threshold is only part of the exemption test, one attorney reminded HR professionals. 

By Caroline Colvin • May 18, 2026

Kroger facility’s parking lot policy violated federal labor law, NLRB judge finds

Organizations must let employees use their facilities during nonworking hours for legally protected activities unless they can prove restrictions are necessary to maintain production or discipline, according to a ruling.  

By Ryan Golden • May 15, 2026

Updated federal guidance and funds may boost apprenticeships

As of fiscal year 2025, there were 678,014 apprentices nationwide, according to federal data. Participants worry demand for funding might far exceed the four-year program's capacity.

By Michelle No • May 7, 2026

The pendulum may be swinging back in favor of the trades: JLL

Demand for skilled workers is surpassing demand in other job categories, spurring organizations to make it easier to get people trained, experts say.

By Joe Burns • May 6, 2026

Companies and schools are trying virtual reality for skilled trades training

The technology enables a broad sharing of best practices, but there are limitations, instructors say.

By Benton Graham • May 5, 2026

CBRE, Meta launch data center trade skills training program

CBRE will stand up and run centers across the U.S. to train fiber technicians to build Meta data centers, the companies say.

By Joe Burns • Updated April 21, 2026

Fit-out costs escalate as high energy prices impact labor and materials: JLL

Almost 90% of commercial real estate executives globally say reducing operating costs through energy savings is a top C-suite priority over the next three years, per the firm's 2026 fit-out guide. 

By Joe Burns • April 17, 2026

AI is creating a surge in demand for HVAC technicians, other skilled labor: Randstad

Organizations should use flexible hiring policies to get the talent they need, the global human resources consulting company recommends.

By Joe Burns • March 30, 2026

MaintainX touts AI solution for preparing maintenance reports

Facilities managers and technicians can use plain-language prompts in Report Builder AI to get data on the parts of systems that are creating the most trouble, the company says.

By Joe Burns • March 25, 2026

Building operations are increasingly strategic: NFMT East 2026

The importance of communication between FMs, vendors and stakeholders was a consistent theme throughout sessions as more organizations see building operations as value-adding. 

By Joe Burns • March 20, 2026

Labor Department moves to loosen independent contractor regulations

The agency proposed a return to the “economic reality test” adopted during the first Trump administration.

By Caroline Colvin • Feb. 27, 2026

NEMA, other groups want the US to pay companies to employ veterans as electricians

A House bill that transfers up to $500,000 to employers for hiring retired military would help ease a looming skilled-trades labor gap caused by skyrocketing energy demand, the groups say.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 25, 2026

60% of Gen Zers will pursue skilled trade work this year: survey

Fear of AI might be driving the shift. A different survey last year found fewer than 40% of Gen Zers had an interest in the trades.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 10, 2026

Against slow hiring, construction projects face hurdles: AGC

The latest outlook from the Associated General Contractors of America reveals two bright spots — data centers and power projects — amid a growing number of challenges.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 20, 2026