The construction industry is missing a vital workforce component: female construction workers. Women are not well-represented in skilled labor positions on job sites or construction offices, where they could work as administrators, managers, and industry leaders.
The same is true in technology, where men hold two out of every three positions. Women are less inclined to seek employment in this industry, and their retention rate is less than their male counterparts.
Similarly, the construction technology industry has found itself in the position of being a male-dominated field. Women are hesitant to pursue careers in construction tech.
5 Challenges Women Face Entering Construction
Remember recess at school and getting teased, or worse, bullied? Construction workers have traded the playground for a construction site, but the harassment sometimes continues. In an effort to make their teams more women-friendly, construction firms are setting firm expectations about job harassment. It’s not just a good idea; it’s the law, and every company must address harassment.
But what about some of the other challenges women face when entering construction?
Construction tech companies are also looking at ways to equalize the working conditions and responsibilities in these five areas:
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Uncertain schedules
In a perfect world, construction leaders set a schedule for crews, and working from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is something many workers can agree upon. However, shipment delays, site challenges, and other obstacles can thwart the best of plans. Many women have found that uncertain schedules are less than favorable when trying to pick up children from daycare or honor personal commitments.
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Perceived physical demands
Some construction work requires sheer brawn, which is why job descriptions may point out that you must be able to lift or carry a specific weight. As necessary as it is for safety, the requirement often prevents women from applying for certain jobs.
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Isolation
With only 11% of the construction workforce being female, women feel isolated in their jobs. Nine out of every ten coworkers are male.
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Portable toilets/filthy restrooms
The bane of every work site, portable toilets are still a man’s domain and no wonder. Women despise using these facilities because of how nasty these latrines can get.
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Safety gear
Well-fitted safety gear is essential for job site safety. Hard hats, jackets, and gloves must also fit the frame of most women if they work side by side with their male counterparts.
Other complaints that could be preventing you from diversifying your workforce
Recruiters know a secret: many women enjoy working in construction tech. However, they often see obstacle to entering and staying in the industry. You can overcome these challenges by cleaning up — quite literally: offer women (and men) the opportunity to wash up after working with machinery and train employees on how to improve their communication skills.
A willingness to address these challenges could help you fill your construction tech positions and retain some of the best employees you’ll ever hire.
If you’re ready to optimize your recruiting strategy, connect with Raymond Search Group today.
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