Paving The Way: How Women Are Easing The Labor Shortage And Redefining The Industry
There are simply not enough workers to keep up with demand. That’s what one CNBC article wrote at the end of July 2023, after the Associated Builders and Contractors report estimated that the construction industry needs over half a million more workers on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet labor demands in 2023.
There are a few reasons for this, including a 40% decrease in applications for construction rolls at the beginning of the pandemic which never rose back up (according to ZipRecruiter). The passing of Biden’s infrastructure bill gave many American municipalities a large amount of money to invest in reconstruction and new construction projects. In recent years, more women have entered the construction industry than ever before—and now they’re literally saving the day for many companies. From on-site managers to skilled laborers to truck drivers, women are contributing to the industry in a variety of roles.
Despite progress in gender equality, there is still a long way to go. Women continue to face challenges in the construction industry, including discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay. Below we’re taking a closer look at how beneficial women in construction are and how you can support gender equality in your company.
Breaking Ground On Stereotypes
The construction industry is often viewed as a male-dominated field—and for most of history, it has been. This perception is reinforced by gender stereotypes which have contributed to many women choosing to avoid jobs in the industry or leave the industry after experiencing harassment or being passed over for earned promotions.
According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women make up only around 11% of the construction workforce in the United States, and make around 83% of what men make, even when skills, experience, and job titles match. This is a significant underrepresentation, especially considering that women make up nearly half of the overall workforce in the country.
Many companies are making efforts to increase the representation of women in construction, but progress is slow, according to the NAWIC. They underscore the need for addressing the gender stereotypes that have historically limited women from participating in the industry. By breaking down these stereotypes and creating a more inclusive environment, the construction industry can tap into a wider pool of talent and drive greater innovation and growth.
Challenges Faced by Women in Construction
Despite progress in recent years, gender biases and stereotypes are still prevalent in the construction industry. Women often face assumptions that they are not as physically capable as men, or that they are not as knowledgeable about construction. These biases can make it difficult for women to be taken seriously in the workplace and prevent a female construction worker from advancing her career. This is further exemplified by the lack of representation in leadership positions across the construction industry. With fewer women in leadership roles, there is a serious lack of female mentors and role models for women who are just starting their construction careers.
In addition to underrepresentation in the industry, harassment and discrimination are still major issues for women in construction. The NAWIC reports that over 25% of women in construction report being subjected to sexist comments, unwanted advances, and other forms of harassment and discrimination. In the same report, nearly 60% of women in construction report witnessing harassment of other employees. This type of hostile work environment can make it difficult for women to feel safe and respected in their jobs.
The Foundation Of Change
While women are facing some serious challenges when it comes to working in construction, there is something amazing that is happening. Women being employed in construction positions has increased by over 50% in the last decade—and the industry is relying on them to help fill the major employment gaps. Even better news is that the more gender equality that is brought to the industry, the more women can continue to fill positions and help bring the construction industry labor shortage down.
Cementing Success: How To Build A Better Future
Construction companies have the power to be a positive change in this industry by promoting gender equality in the workplace. If you’re not sure where to start, we have a few recommendations…
Encourage Women To Consider Working For You
One of the most effective ways to increase the number of women in the construction industry is to encourage girls and young women to consider it as a viable career option. Your company can do this by partnering with local schools and organizations to provide information about the many different career paths available in construction, as well as the benefits of working in this industry. Additionally, your company can offer internships and apprenticeships to young women to give them hands-on experience and help them build the skills they need to succeed in this field.
Support Initiatives and Mentorship Programs Focused On Women In Construction
To support women who are already working in the construction industry, consider implementing educational initiatives and mentorship programs with your company. These can include training programs to help women build the skills they need to advance in their careers, as well as mentorship opportunities to provide guidance and support. Additionally, you can host networking events and conferences that bring together women in the industry to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Promoting Policies That Foster Gender Equality in the Workplace
Finally, it's important to promote policies and initiatives that foster gender equality in the workplace. This can include things like equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements to accommodate caregiving responsibilities and a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect, you can create a company that is known for having a workplace where women feel valued and supported, and where they have the opportunity to thrive.
Working With A Recruiting Agency Can Help Prioritize Gender Equality
If you're ready to create a more inclusive workplace you may want to consider working with a recruiting agency. We help companies like yours understand what their target candidates are looking for and build a business that is trusted and valued among the most highly-skilled workers.
Here are a few things that you can expect from us when we work together:
A recruiting company with a proven track record of helping companies hire and retain highly-skilled workers
A commitment to helping you understand diversity and inclusion
A deep understanding of the unique challenges that women in construction face and how to help companies like yours empower women
Recommendations for creating long-term, sustainable solutions to gender inequality in the construction industry
Creating a more inclusive workplace isn't just the right thing to do—it's also great for business. By prioritizing gender equality and supporting women in construction, you can create a more productive, innovative, and successful company. By choosing to work with a recruiting agency that can help you prioritize gender equality, you can ensure that your company is attracting and retaining the most highly-skilled candidates, regardless of gender.
Ready to get to work on gender equality? Contact us.