AEC firms are positive about industry growth in 2022 and expect to continue employing a hybrid workforce, according to a survey by Openasset. The AEC Industry Outlook Survey of 500 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals found that 78% believe their firm will experience positive growth in 2022.

46% of respondents said their firm would employ a hybrid workforce in 2022. Almost 25% expect their company to operate with a fully remote workforce, while 19% see a full return to the office for all staff. Maintaining a hybrid workforce was the largest challenge anticipated by respondents, with 54% identifying the shift as a challenge for 2022.

Other challenges highlighted by respondents included employee retention (mentioned by 42%), meeting tight deadlines (mentioned by 49%), and winning new business (mentioned by 42%).

The survey by Openasset is the latest insight into the AEC landscape. Last month, Appleseed released the results of their survey which found that 77% of respondents were back to pre-pandemic staffing levels, while nearly 53% had implemented salary cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meanwhile, the AIA’s latest Architecture Billings Index, covering December 2021, found that architecture firms ended the year on a “high note with strong business conditions.” Back in September, a separate survey by the AIA charted major changes in client requests in the residential sector, including a 70% increase in requests for outdoor living spaces and a 69% increase in popularity for home offices.