See It in Action
The construction industry has traditionally been defined by on-site work, in-person collaboration, and physical project management.
However, in recent years, hybrid and remote work models have reshaped this industry, challenging long-standing norms and transforming how construction companies operate.
Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, these flexible work arrangements are pushing companies to rethink their approach to business development, client engagement, and project delivery.
As hybrid work gains traction in the construction industry, many firms invest in digital tools, new project management practices, and updated policies to support this shift.
But is it worth the effort?
And what changes should you expect as more construction companies adopt hybrid and remote work models?
Let’s see how these trends reshape construction business development, backed by statistics, industry research, and insights from leading experts.
The construction industry, known for its reliance on in-person work and real-time collaboration, has seen a significant shift towards hybrid and remote work models over the past few years.
What was once almost unheard of in this sector has become a growing trend driven by necessity and the rapid adoption of new technologies.
Before the pandemic, remote work was rare in construction.
In fact, only 52% of construction field teams had ever worked remotely.
However, since COVID-19, a staggering 92% of firms now allow some level of remote or hybrid work.
The shift has been especially pronounced in office-based roles like business development, project management, and administrative support.
Hybrid work has particularly taken hold in roles that don’t require daily physical presence on-site.
Project managers, architects, and business development professionals, for example, have benefited from the flexibility to work part-time from home.
According to recent data, hybrid work arrangements in construction rose from 3.15% in 2019 to 3.41% in 2021, with work-from-home figures climbing from 8.01% to 10.16%.
The increase may seem small, but it represents a fundamental change in an industry traditionally resistant to remote work.
Construction companies gradually embrace hybrid work, though they lag behind other sectors. As of 2023, 71% of U.S. employers across various industries operate in a hybrid model, with 29% planning to make it a permanent arrangement.
Within construction, hybrid adoption is still catching up, but the shift is unmistakable.
Leading firms like Skanska USA and Turner Construction have piloted hybrid work programs to improve flexibility and employee satisfaction.
Several factors have driven the shift towards hybrid work in construction.
The COVID-19 pandemic was the initial catalyst, forcing companies to find ways to maintain operations despite lockdowns and social distancing measures.
At the same time, the rise of digital tools has made remote collaboration easier than ever.
Cloud-based project management platforms, virtual meeting software, and real-time communication tools have all enabled construction professionals to stay connected without being physically on-site.
Unlike sectors where remote work is easily implemented, construction faces unique challenges in hybrid adoption.
Field teams, supervisors, and inspectors often must be physically present to ensure quality, safety, and project timelines.
As a result, hybrid working in construction requires careful balancing of remote flexibility for office-based roles with the on-site demands of field roles.
Companies that succeed in this shift are those that understand which roles can adapt to hybrid work and which require a more traditional approach.
Hybrid work models bring a variety of benefits to the construction industry, especially in business development roles where flexibility and client engagement are critical.
By adopting hybrid work, construction firms are not only improving internal operations but also gaining a competitive edge.
Hybrid construction work has been shown to positively impact productivity and employee morale.
A survey revealed that 80% of construction professionals reported being equally or more productive when working remotely.
For business development teams, fewer in-office distractions and the flexibility to manage their schedules can result in more focused, effective work.
Additionally, employees enjoy the improved work-life balance that comes with hybrid work, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
One major advantage of hybrid work is the reduction in travel costs.
Construction business development professionals frequently travel for client meetings, site visits, and networking events.
With virtual meetings becoming more normalized, firms like DPR Construction have reported a 30% reduction in travel expenses.
Additionally, some companies are rethinking office space needs, potentially leading to long-term savings on real estate costs.
Offering flexible work options has become a strong recruiting tool for construction firms.
In a survey by the Associated General Contractors (AGC), 73% of construction companies stated that hybrid work options have helped them attract younger talent.
The flexibility appeals particularly to millennials and Gen Z candidates who prioritize work-life balance.
By expanding their talent pool to include remote-capable roles, construction companies can access specialized skills without being limited by geography.
Hybrid work enables business development teams to engage with clients more efficiently.
With the ability to meet virtually, business development managers can communicate more frequently with clients, provide real-time project updates, and address concerns as they arise.
The flexibility also means that teams can tailor client interactions to each client’s preference—whether that means in-person meetings or virtual check-ins—thereby improving client satisfaction and strengthening relationships.
In today’s competitive market, companies that offer hybrid work options can stand out from the crowd.
Many employees see remote work as a key benefit, with some even willing to accept a 10% pay cut for permanent remote flexibility.
For construction firms, embracing hybrid models makes them more attractive to prospective employees and aligns with evolving workplace expectations, positioning them as forward-thinking industry leaders.
While hybrid work brings several benefits to the construction industry, it also introduces unique challenges.
Balancing on-site requirements with remote flexibility requires a thoughtful approach for construction companies.
Hybrid construction work often complicates real-time coordination, especially for roles requiring direct collaboration between remote and on-site teams.
A recent study by Autodesk found that 60% of construction professionals face challenges with remote communication tools, citing limited digital literacy and training as major barriers.
Construction projects rely heavily on real-time decision-making, so delays in communication can impact timelines and project quality.
To address this, companies are investing in collaboration software that allows instant messaging, video calls, and file sharing, though effective integration remains challenging.
As construction firms adopt digital tools to support hybrid work, the need for digital literacy has become more pronounced.
This is for some employees, especially those used to traditional workflows.
A survey by Procore found that 45% of construction firms believe that more training is necessary to make hybrid work successful in their organizations.
Providing regular training sessions on digital tools and remote collaboration can help bridge this gap and ensure that all team members are prepared for a hybrid work environment.
Hybrid work increases cybersecurity risks as more employees access sensitive data from remote locations.
Construction companies, which handle valuable client and project information, face particular risks with remote access.
According to the Construction Industry Institute, 67% of construction firms have increased spending on cybersecurity measures over the past two years to protect against data breaches.
Companies can reduce these risks by implementing secure login protocols, VPNs, and regular cybersecurity training, but vigilance remains essential.
Tracking productivity in a hybrid work model presents its own set of challenges.
Without daily physical presence, it can be difficult to ensure remote employees meet performance expectations.
Many construction companies use project management software to track task completion and monitor progress, but measuring productivity remotely still requires trust and a shift in management style.
Setting clear expectations and using performance metrics can help maintain accountability in a hybrid work environment.
One of the toughest challenges in hybrid construction work is managing roles that require physical presence.
Certain tasks, such as inspections and site supervision, cannot be performed remotely.
For companies implementing hybrid models, it is crucial to understand which roles can adapt to remote work and which must remain on-site.
Construction firms that effectively balance these needs are more likely to succeed in hybrid work without compromising project quality or timelines.
Construction companies are adopting a range of approaches to the hybrid work model.
From investing in technology to restructuring roles, firms are finding new ways to meet the demands of a flexible work environment.
Many construction firms have increased their spending on digital tools to support hybrid work.
According to the Construction Industry Institute, 67% of construction companies boosted their technology budgets by at least 25% over the past two years.
These investments often focus on tools that facilitate remote communication, such as cloud-based platforms, project management software, and virtual meeting applications.
By using these tools, teams can collaborate more effectively, even when some members work remotely.
Companies are adopting specialized project management software to better manage remote and on-site tasks.
Firms like Skanska USA and Turner Construction have integrated cloud-based solutions that allow real-time tracking, document sharing, and communication between dispersed teams.
These tools help project managers oversee activities without needing to be physically present, reducing delays and improving coordination.
For hybrid working in construction, having the right software is essential to ensure that all teams stay aligned.
Cloud technology plays a critical role in enabling hybrid work by making data accessible from any location.
Through cloud-based platforms, construction professionals can access documents, blueprints, and project updates in real time.
This accessibility allows remote and on-site workers to stay connected and informed, regardless of where they are.
Companies like Autodesk and Procore offer solutions tailored to construction, supporting teams in overcoming the physical limitations of traditional work setups.
Successful hybrid work requires that employees are comfortable using digital tools, which is why many companies are focusing on training and upskilling.
Construction firms recognize that adapting to hybrid work involves a learning curve, especially for employees who are less familiar with technology.
A survey by Procore found that 45% of construction companies believe additional training is necessary for hybrid work to be effective.
By investing in training programs, companies can ensure that all employees are equipped to collaborate remotely.
Some construction companies are restructuring roles to better fit a hybrid work model.
For example, project managers who previously worked entirely on-site may now split their time between remote work and site visits.
This restructuring allows for more flexibility while still meeting the physical demands of certain roles.
By redefining responsibilities, companies can optimize workflows and improve work-life balance for their teams.
As hybrid work continues to gain traction in the construction industry, several emerging trends are likely to shape its future.
From technology advancements to shifting workforce expectations, these trends are influencing how companies approach hybrid work.
The adoption of hybrid work in construction is expected to increase over the coming years.
By 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans, or about 22% of the workforce, are projected to work remotely in some capacity.
This trend reflects a broader shift towards flexible work arrangements, which construction companies are beginning to adopt as well.
For firms that can balance on-site requirements with remote flexibility, hybrid work is likely to become a standard practice.
As hybrid work becomes more common, companies are leveraging AI and automation to support remote and hybrid roles.
Automation tools can handle repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities, whether they’re on-site or working remotely.
For example, AI-driven project management software can help construction managers track project milestones, monitor resource usage, and predict potential delays.
By integrating AI, construction firms can improve efficiency and streamline operations in a hybrid work setting.
To accommodate the hybrid model, construction companies are developing new policies that outline when and where employees are expected to work.
These policies are often tailored to specific roles, defining which positions are eligible for remote work and which require a physical presence.
Flexible work policies are also becoming a key factor in talent retention, as many employees prioritize work-life balance.
About 47% of workers would consider leaving their jobs if required to return full-time to the office, highlighting the importance of these policies.
As more employees work remotely, the need for cybersecurity measures has become critical.
Hybrid work models increase the number of devices connected to company networks, which can expose firms to cybersecurity risks.
Many construction companies are investing in cybersecurity protocols, including secure logins, VPNs, and data encryption, to protect sensitive information.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, firms can ensure that their hybrid work environments remain secure.
Hybrid work also influences how construction projects are delivered.
With remote collaboration tools and cloud technology, project managers can oversee tasks and communicate with teams in real time, even when working remotely.
This shift enables construction companies to be more flexible in their project delivery methods, potentially allowing for faster project completion and reduced costs.
As hybrid work becomes more integrated into construction operations, the industry is likely to see more innovative approaches to project management.
As hybrid and remote work models continue to reshape the construction industry, companies must adapt to stay competitive.
The shift towards flexible work environments brings both challenges and opportunities, especially for business development teams navigating new client engagement strategies and project management practices.
ProjectMark offers solutions tailored to the unique demands of the construction industry, helping companies streamline operations, enhance remote collaboration, and maximize productivity in a hybrid work setting.
If you’re ready to take your construction business development to the next level, get a demo and discover how ProjectMark can support your journey toward a more flexible, efficient, and future-ready construction firm.
