Zweig Group, the leading provider of management consulting, research, and education for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, has released its 2025 Recruitment & Retention Report of AEC Firms, offering a comprehensive look at the strategies, tools, and challenges shaping the AEC workforce today. The 2025 edition was updated to align with the latest industry trends.
With data collected from firms across the United States and Canada, this report sheds light on everything from recruiting methods and onboarding practices to turnover trends, HR department structures, and compensation transparency. Designed to equip AEC leaders with actionable insights, the 2025 edition dives deep into what it takes to attract and keep top talent in today’s highly competitive labor market.
Key findings from the 2025 report include:
- AI adoption is accelerating. Sixty-four percent of firms report using human resources information systems (HRIS) or applicant tracking systems (ATS), and 44% say these systems now include AI capabilities to help streamline hiring.
- The mid-level talent crunch is real. Eighty-three percent of firms cite professionals with three to 10 years of experience as their greatest staffing need, highlighting ongoing pressure to recruit and retain mid-career talent.
- Recruiting partnerships are on the rise. Sixty-seven percent of firms report using external recruiters, showing a growing reliance on strategic partnerships to fill roles faster and more effectively.
- Transparency is growing. In a striking shift, 20% of firms now provide full employee access to compensation data – up from zero percent two years ago – signaling a move toward greater pay transparency and trust.
The report also offers detailed breakdowns of HR department responsibilities, executive search firm usage, training practices, and benefits offerings, making it a must-have resource for any firm looking to strengthen its recruiting strategy and build long-term retention. Learn more and purchase the full report here.