Nebraska construction firms holding their own in pandemic, survey shows – Kearney Hub

The Lied Place Residences building, which when finished will be Lincoln's second-tallest building at about 250 feet, has started to rise above the Que Place parking garage next door.

The Lied Place Residences building, which when finished will be Lincoln's second-tallest building at about 250 feet, has started to rise above the Que Place parking garage next door.

Nebraska construction firms seem to be weathering the coronavirus pandemic well, according to the results of a national survey released Wednesday.

The survey from the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk found that as many firms operating in the state have added employees as have cut them over the past few months.

According to the survey, 32% of Nebraska construction companies have furloughed or terminated employees, but an additional 32% have added workers.

Both of those rates are slightly higher than national figures, which show 29% of companies have furloughed or terminated workers, while only 23% have added workers.

Over the past 12 months, 36% of the state's construction firms have reduced their headcount, while 36% have kept their numbers steady and 27% have added workers.

The companies that are adding workers are having a tough time finding them, with 82% reporting difficulty finding hourly craft workers, a much higher percentage than the 52% nationally reporting difficulty.

Few firms have survived unscathed from the pandemic amid widespread project delays and cancellations, Ken Simonson, the associations chief economist, said in a news release. Ironically, even as the pandemic undermines demand for construction services, it is reinforcing conditions that have historically made it hard for many firms to find qualified craft workers to hire.

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Nebraska construction firms holding their own in pandemic, survey shows - Kearney Hub