New data shows rising transparency, increased health benefits, and shifting workforce priorities.
Zweig Group , the leading provider of management consulting, research, and education for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Report of AEC Firms, a comprehensive look at the evolving workplace standards shaping the AEC industry.
This year’s report highlights significant developments in employee benefits, compensation transparency, and HR policy implementation – equipping firm leaders with the data they need to benchmark, adapt, and thrive in a competitive labor market.
Key findings from the 2025 report:
- Remote work continues to reshape talent strategies. The importance of geographic location in attracting talent dropped from 4.0 in 2023 to 2.8 in 2024, signaling a continued move toward flexible work environments and the need for better virtual collaboration tools.
- Health benefits are no longer optional. For the first time, zero firms reported offering none of the standard health spending accounts (FSA, HSA, HRA, or MSA) – a sharp shift from 5 percent in 2024. This marks a major industry-wide commitment to supporting employee well-being.
- Employee health premiums are rising again. After several years of decline, monthly premiums paid by employees have significantly increased in 2025, reversing a downward trend seen since 2022.
- Layoffs remain rare – except at the largest firms. While most AEC firms reported no layoffs, firms with 500+ employees saw a median of 13 layoffs – double last year’s figure – highlighting unique pressures faced by larger organizations.
- Formal compensation programs are gaining traction. Fifty-two percent of firms now have formal compensation programs, up from 48 percent in 2023. Notably, 33 percent of employees now have access to this data, advancing efforts toward compensation transparency and equity.
- A shift in raise strategies. Raises based solely on management discretion are down from 74 percent to 66 percent, with formal salary review processes now leading as the primary method for determining increases.
- Timesheet frequency is changing. Weekly collection is down from 82 percent to 73 percent, while bi-weekly timesheets have nearly doubled – suggesting firms are rethinking administrative efficiency.
- Workplace policies are evolving. Ninety-four percent of firms now prohibit gambling – up from 85 percent last year – as part of broader efforts to define workplace culture and risk management.
Why it matters.
“These insights reflect a maturing industry that’s adapting to new expectations around transparency, flexibility, and employee support,” said Chad Clinehens, president and CEO of Zweig Group. “The 2025 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Report isn’t just a snapshot – it’s a roadmap for firms looking to lead in both culture and performance.”
The full report offers detailed analysis, benchmarking tools, and best practices across dozens of operational and HR categories, helping AEC firms make data-backed decisions that drive growth, engagement, and retention.
Download the full 2025 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Report of AEC Firms today to future-proof your policies and strengthen your firm’s foundation for long-term success.