With labor shortages, immigration uncertainty and rising costs disrupting job sites across the country, independent agents play a critical role in helping construction clients navigate risk and build long-term resilience. 

Football season is squarely upon us. Just as success on the field requires strength in offense, defense and special teams, success in construction—and the insurance that supports it—demands a strategic approach at all levels. Disruption is everywhere. In college athletics, it’s NIL (name, image and likeness) regulations, TV rights fees and the transfer portal. In construction, it’s supply chain issues, economic conditions and labor shortages. Perhaps, the top disruptor is the uncertainty around immigration, which accelerated debates around already tough labor conditions. 

Labor shortages contribute to increased costs, longer projects and less growth, all of which directly impact the risk profile of insured businesses. Immigrants make up a quarter of the construction industry, and 33% of construction tradesmen according to the National Association of Home Builders. Numbers soar when you get into specific trades, which often face high injury rates, insurance claims and turnover. As independent agents, you’re not just selling policies, you’re advising businesses through uncertainty. That means helping clients build a game plan to strengthen local workforces and reduce risk at all three levels:

Offense

Encourage clients to invest in recruiting efforts, perhaps partnering with schools and promoting trade careers or apprenticeships. Since knowledge is passed down and learned on the job site, finding willing and able mentors is critical. A stronger pipeline means fewer coverage gaps and more stable operations.

Defense

Retention reduces turnover and claims, and that directly affects the bottom line. There’s a clear link between inexperienced workers and safety incidents, which can drive up workers compensation rates and increase overall risk exposure for policyholders. Help clients see the value of offering comprehensive benefits beyond competitive wages—insurance, retirement plans, time off and bonus pay are increasingly important to today’s workforce. These offerings not only attract talent but also help retain skilled workers, reducing risk, improving job site safety and strengthening long-term business stability.

Special Teams

Leveraging new technology and developing safety programs is a must. You can guide clients toward innovations that lower premiums and improve safety culture. A strong safety culture starts at the top. From wearables to site monitoring, investing in new technology to boost safety can set a business apart. It can help create a safer environment and lead to less incidents and less turnover. For additional ideas and resources, contact your underwriter or territory manager to connect with our loss control team.

Disruption is not new, but neither is opportunity. With you, our agency partners, as our primary customer and policyholders our purpose, we believe these plays can lead to continued success on and off the field. We are here to support you and your policyholders when you need peace of mind the most.