4 Tips to Create a Culture That Supports Women in Construction

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["a",["href","https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/cps\/cpsaat18.htm","target","_blank"]],["b"],["u"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/business-functions\/people-and-organizational-performance\/our-insights\/delivering-through-diversity"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.bcg.com\/publications\/2018\/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.nawic.org\/"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/womeninconstructionconference.com\/"]],["strong"],["a",["href","https:\/\/acdpages.aia.org\/breaking-barriers-women-in-construction"]],["i"]],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"September 8, 2022"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Recent "],[0,[0],1,"data"],[0,[],0," from\nthe Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the United States workforce is\ncomprised of an astounding 151 million workers. Women comprise 47% of this\nfigure, occupying various positions across the board. In the construction\nindustry, however, the same data shows that only 11% were comprised of women\noccupying approximately 1.2 million positions, one-third of which are\nadministrative support roles. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The good news? This signifies an increase of 133,000 construction jobs held by women\nsince 2018. There are more women in construction now than ever\nbefore and this trend will likely continue to grow due to ongoing labor\nshortages, diverse job opportunities and a narrow gender pay gap. Construction\nneeds women and women have the skills and know-how to significantly impact the\nindustry. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1,2],2,"Challenges Women Face Working in the Construction\nIndustry"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Still a male-dominated industry, women continue to\nface challenges working within construction. Gender bias, negative\nstereotypes and obstacles to advancement continue to be reported by women\nworking in the front lines. Not surprisingly,\nrecent research continues to show women are vastly underrepresented within\nconstruction companies, which may lead to feelings of isolation in the\nworkplace and lack of access to support and mentorship. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Despite these challenges, women continue to report that they love their\njobs and working within this exciting and rewarding industry. The future looks bright,\nbut companies in design and construction must continue the work to ensure women\nhave the resources and infrastructure in place to feel supported and succeed in\nthe workplace. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1,2],2,"How Can Companies Better Support Women in Construction?"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. "],[0,[],0,"Studies have shown a diverse workplace\ncontributes significantly to the success of a business. Harnessing diverse skillsets, knowledge and\nexperience in your workforce can lead to innovation and creativity that can\nmake your business thrive. In fact, the "],[0,[3],1,"Delivering\ngrowth through diversity in the workplace"],[0,[],0," report created by McKinsey \u0026\nCompany and the "],[0,[4],1,"How\nDiverse Leadership Teams Boost Innovation"],[0,[],0," study by Boston Consulting Group show research that reinforces the link between diversity and a company\u2019s\nfinancial profitability. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"There are many ways you can incorporate diversity and inclusion within\nyour construction company, including building awareness, promoting values from\nwithin, conducting diversity training, implementing hiring diversity practices,\nsoliciting employee engagement, and creating a welcoming and inclusive company\nculture. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Provide access to education and training opportunities. "],[0,[],0,"Allow women to advance within your\ncompany by providing opportunities for professional development including\nonline classes, on-the-job training, certificate programs and\/or workshops to\nexpand skills and build new ones. Tap into organizations such as "],[0,[5],1,"The National Association of Women in Construction"],[0,[],0,"\nand "],[0,[6],1,"Women in Construction"],[0,[],0,"\nto provide opportunities for your staff to attend local and regional\nconferences and networking events. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Develop internal programs that support women."],[0,[],0," Since\nwomen are greatly underrepresented in the industry, providing internal programs\ngeared towards them can help attract, support and retain skilled women\nworkers. Programs such as internships, apprenticeships,\nor mentorship can provide opportunities for women to learn the business, gain\nexperience, network and receive coaching from women role models and leaders. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"Foster a culture of innovation and leadership. "],[0,[],0,"Creating a\ndiverse workforce means having women at the top to serve as role models, mentor\nother women, and support the recruitment and advancement of women within the\norganization. It is also vital to company success to recognize potential and identify\ntop performers early so you can provide them with ample opportunities to grow. Allow emerging leaders to fill critical functions\nwhen necessary and recognize achievement. Invest in leadership programs and\ntools to foster a culture of innovation within your company so that everyone benefits."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Would you like to learn more about how to support women in the\nconstruction industry? Join us for "],[0,[7],1,"Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction"],[0,[],0,", a new webinar series hosted by AIA Contract\nDocuments. Designed to foster engagement and dialogue about what it means\nto be a woman in the construction industry, this series will examine the\nchallenges women face and how organizations can better attract, support and\nretain them. "],[0,[8],1,"Register\nToday - Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[7,9],2,"AIA Contract Documents has provided\nthis article for general informational purposes only. The information provided\nis not legal opinion or legal advice and does not create an attorney-client\nrelationship of any kind. This article is also not intended to provide guidance\nas to how project parties should interpret their specific contracts or resolve\ncontract disputes, as those decisions will need to be made in consultation with\nlegal counsel, insurance counsel, and other professionals, and based upon a\nmultitude of factors. "]]]]}