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Beyond Awards: How Data and Research are Elevating AEC Firms
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“I think the employee experience—and we've seen over the last five years how important the employee experience has been with how tight the labor market has been and how everybody is competing for the same people… To ensure good retention, you must survey your employees to see what they think of your firm.”
- Kyle Ahern
About our Guests:
Keith Sequeira serves as Senior Director of Analytics and Technology at Zweig Group, where he leads research, analytics, and technological innovation, driving new approaches in data collection and delivery for the AEC sector. Kyle Ahern, Manager of Awards and Analytics, has spent over ten years at Zweig Group, with deep expertise running the Best Firms To Work For (BFTWF) program and integrating employee survey data into actionable insights for the industry. Supporting the conversation is co-host Luke Carothers, a guiding voice in exploring the data-driven evolution of AEC firm management.
Episode Summary:
This episode dives into the evolving landscape of research, data, and industry benchmarking within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) space. Host Randy Wilburn teams up with co-host Luke Carothers to interview Keith Sequeira and Kyle Ahern, uncovering how Zweig Group’s research initiatives—especially the Best Firms To Work For (BFTWF) program—are reshaping the value of employee sentiment and firm benchmarking. Keith and Kyle discuss how design firms’ needs have shifted from simply seeking award recognition to actively using detailed survey data to drive strategy, foster better workplaces, and compete more effectively for talent.
The conversation highlights the innovations in delivering real-time, actionable analytics through platforms like Zweig Insights. The team details the new research calendar and tiered participation incentive program, aimed at driving engagement and ensuring the most up-to-date data for all Zweig Group reports. From the transition away from static reports to the implementation of dynamic benchmarking tools, this episode offers practical wisdom for firm leaders looking to leverage industry data for recruitment, retention, and firm growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Actionable Benchmarking: Firms increasingly participate in BFTWF for the employee data and benchmarking tools, not just for the award, using insights for internal strategy and improvement.
- Technology-Driven Insights: Zweig Insights platform provides interactive, real-time benchmarking and analysis, moving beyond traditional static PDF reports.
- Participation Incentives & Timely Data: A new research calendar and tiered discount structure incentivize timely survey participation, ensuring fresher, more accurate reports for all firms.
- Employee Experience Drives Success: Surveying for employee sentiment is vital for recruitment, retention, and competitive advantage—and firms must communicate the survey's purpose and act on the findings.
- Continuous Recognition and Industry Celebration: Zweig’s award programs, culminating at Elevate AEC, play a critical role in celebrating firm achievements and motivating ongoing improvement within the industry.
All this and more in this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Links referenced in this episode:
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Call-to-Action & Next Steps: Stay ahead in the AEC industry by actively participating in Zweig Group’s surveys and award programs. Visit zweiggroup.com to access the latest research calendar, download reports, or reach out to Keith and Kyle for guidance.
Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!
Other episodes you'll enjoy:
From Specs to Stories with Cherise Lakeside
Bridging Design and Construction with Dan Crist
AI Transforming AEC with KP Reddy
Connect with Zweig Group:
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