Diversifying the Workforce With Women in Construction

It is common knowledge for anyone in the construction industry that there is a labor shortage. The 300,000 unfilled construction jobs in the United States are looming large, and with only one in seven construction jobs filled by women, they are still an underutilized asset.

These low women-in-construction stats should not discourage construction business owners or women who desire a career in the industry. There are ample construction career opportunities for women at every level.

Choose a Career in Construction

The path for women in construction is not the most linear. For some, it is the family business. Others find construction to be the perfect fit because they have an aptitude for knowing how things work and go together. Many women choose architecture and move into the construction space once they realize construction has more hands-on opportunities.

On the other hand, others stumble into the construction field. There are alternative credentials that can be a great fit. This is why it is paramount in today’s construction environment to market your company at every opportunity. You never know if the signage on a job site will spur a new college graduate to research your firm or if a high school career day will spark interest in an industry they’ve never considered. The bottom line is to continuously work to reach out to the general public so everyone, including women, knows they can choose a career in construction.

Learn the Ropes

Anyone who is starting a new job or venturing into a new career field needs to take the time to learn the industry and come prepared, which is appreciated by management. However, many women feel they must earn more respect among their colleagues than their male counterparts and they still feel like they need to prove themselves on the job site.

No one should show up to a meeting or discussion unprepared. New employees, and everyone for that matter, should think through the entire recommendation and prepare for rebuttals. Yet, many women feel they are met with skepticism and feel there is no automatic assumption that they know the topic at hand.

Unfortunately, this is a truth many women face, and as more women enter these construction roles, it will not be as commonplace. That said, the ambitious approach of coming prepared for any eventuality or scenario is a best practice that should be adopted by everyone who wants to succeed in business.

On the other hand, if you are new to a role that has a more significant learning curve, like EHS you should have ample training through the company. Manager shadowing programs coupled with more formal programs offered through OSHA allow women to learn in the field and in the classroom.

Welcome Experiences

Women in construction bring a diversity of thought to the job site, and men and women may handle project challenges differently. Some men in the construction industry take great pride in their amassed experience and knowledge. However, this can sometimes lead them to perceive critique as criticism while women may take a more metered or objective approach to issues. Women should speak up and challenge those digging in their heels. There are several ways to solve a problem on the job site, and your solution might be the most effective one.

When faced with giving guidance to tradesmen who have decades more experience, look to your manager to give guidance and support. A supportive manager who encourages learning and growth will help you succeed in your role. Women can be firm and unyielding while bridging the gap with how they approach issues and challenges on the job site.

Find a Mentor

Formal or informal mentorships are critical elements for success. Informal mentors can sometimes be the best, as they help women confidently embrace their roles. When a supervisor or manager takes an employee under their wing, providing an inside look at their role, it can significantly contribute to the success of that employee and their team. The insights gained on the job are invaluable.

In a more structured setting, formal mentorship programs can set new employees up for success within the larger organization. These mentor-mentee relationships not only reinforce the company’s mission and values for the new hire but also offer practical tips for success in their specific role.

Discover the Right Fit

Not every construction career is the right fit for everyone or every company. When seeking a job in construction, it’s essential to find a workplace culture that aligns with your needs. Construction leaders are looking to attract great talent and ensure a good match for the role. Finding a company culture that suits you is crucial for thriving in the industry.

Additionally, it’s important to consider if the job fits your lifestyle. Approaching a job with your entire life in mind is critical. You may want to evaluate health care and maternity benefits, as well as flexible scheduling options. Some construction companies prioritize working mothers, and knowing you have that support can be a decisive factor in your job choice.

Why Construction

Women fit well into the construction world at any level. A diverse voice on job sites makes for better, more productive work environments. Whether it’s engineering, project management, EHS, marketing, or business development, there are numerous career options available for women in construction.

Construction is becoming increasingly diverse, and this is for the better. Every construction group should make a concerted effort to recruit women into the industry. They’ll find the skilled talent they need and people who fill the gaps within their business that they didn’t know existed.