A survey of about 1,800 construction professionals conducted by Trimble at its 2025 Dimensions user conference highlights workforce shortages, technology integration and artificial intelligence as leading concerns heading into 2026.
Respondents identified hiring, skills development and employee retention as their biggest challenges. Industry estimates show construction may need hundreds of thousands of new workers in the coming year, while a significant share of the current workforce is approaching retirement. Survey participants said technology adoption is increasingly tied to recruitment and training, with companies looking to digital tools to improve productivity and make the industry more attractive to younger workers.
The survey also found growing concern over disconnected software systems. Contractors reported that improving how technology platforms share data could have a major impact on performance. Fragmented systems can slow projects and create errors, leading companies to prioritize interoperability and better integration between field and office tools.
When asked where they would invest if budgets allowed, respondents pointed to artificial intelligence and advanced scanning and positioning technologies. Participants expect AI to play a larger role in automating workflows and managing project data, while reality capture and positioning tools are seen as ways to improve accuracy, safety and decision-making on jobsites. Trimble said the results reflect an industry balancing workforce pressures with rapid digital adoption.
