Celebrating Women in the Construction Industry
While I personally find the concept of designated 'weeks' or 'months' for celebrating diversity somewhat limiting, the importance of recognizing and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of our lives cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, as we find ourselves commemorating Women in Construction Week, it's an opportune moment to shed light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities for women in the construction industry.
As we delve deeper into this topic, it's crucial to confront some stark statistics: women represent only a small fraction of the construction workforce in North America, with figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Statistics Canada revealing that they comprise just over 10% and 14% of the workforce, respectively. This underrepresentation, particularly in physically demanding field roles, has been a longstanding challenge within the industry to recruit more women.
However, it's important to recognize that success in construction isn't solely determined by physical prowess, and it’s ok to recognize that men and women have been built differently and therefore do indeed have different capabilities. Still, it's the collaborative efforts of diverse teams that lead to the most successful projects. In my experience, when men and women bring their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table, it fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities that are essential for tackling the complexities of any project, especially in the construction industry!
So why does this even matter to us?
Promoting diversity and careers in the construction industry becomes even more evident when considering the looming labor shortages and the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation. Despite efforts to reintroduce construction education in schools, the current trend reveals a significant gap between retiring workers and new entrants into the workforce. For every four to five workers retiring, only one new individual is joining the industry.
This disparity highlights the urgent need for more voices championing the success and fulfillment found in blue-collar careers. Figures like Mike Rowe and others have been vocal about the labor shortages in blue-collar jobs, emphasizing the void that will need to be filled in the coming years. Women, as well as individuals transitioning roles or seeking a second career, represent a valuable source of talent that can help address this gap.
So how do we do this?
By amplifying stories of success and joy in the construction industry, and supporting female led organizations like Women on Site, we can inspire the next generation of workers to consider careers in this field. It's essential to showcase the opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and meaningful contributions that construction offers. At GloJoy, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the future of construction.
"Isolation is one main reason that 44% of women in construction have seriously considered leaving their jobs" - Institute for Women's Policy Research via Womenonsite.ca
In the realm of construction, diversity isn't merely a buzzword – it's a cornerstone of our success as an industry. At GloJoy Companies, we recognize the pivotal role of inclusive teams in driving innovation and achieving exceptional results. By fostering an environment that values and leverages the diverse talents and perspectives of every individual, regardless of gender, we consistently deliver projects that surpass expectations.
As a company founded by two highly ambitious women, our commitment to increasing visibility for careers in the AEC space, particularly for women, is inherent to our mission. That's why we couldn't let Women in Construction Week pass without giving a shoutout to all those leading the charge. At GloJoy, we're proud to be a NYC and Westchester County, New York Certified Minority Woman Business Enterprise (MWBE) firm, dedicated to bringing more people into the construction industry. With a proven track record of successful project outcomes and a reputation for excellence, the GloJoy Team is ready to partner with you to propel your project forward.
