The construction industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled labor, one that’s worsening as workers begin to retire from the industry at a much faster rate than new people are being hired. With demand for workers at an all-time high, women are rising to the occasion in record numbers, but compared with men, their presence is still far more limited, Construction Dive reports.
Women currently make up 14% of the overall construction workforce, and while that share is at a record high, construction companies could recruit even more women simply by implementing new measures to support them in their respective careers. According to a new survey from the nonprofit National Center for Construction Education & Research, that begins with eliminating discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and bias in the hiring process.
Bias in the hiring process: Despite the high demand for workers, gender discrimination in hiring is still alive and well, respondents said. Companies often require a recommendation before they interview for a position — a practice that disproportionately hurts women, who are less likely to already know someone in the field. To address this, employers must ensure consistent hiring practices.
Related Stories
Custom Builder
Delaware Builder Is First Woman to Receive NAHB’s Custom Builder of the Year Award
Delaware-based Marnie Oursler, president of Marnie Custom Homes, was awarded Custom Builder of the Year for her achievements in housing innovation in the custom home market
Women at WIRC
Two Leading Women in Construction Events Unite
Join us for the Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference in Nashville, Oct. 25-27, 2023
Women in Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction Celebrates Women in Construction Week
The firm's WIC Week activities brought together women in the industry for networking events and impactful conversations about creating and sustaining a more inclusive workforce