According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the share of construction workers who are women is at an all-time high and has steadily increased since 2016.” The Washington Post has found that as of August, 14% of all workers in the industry are women. (The last time this number was this high was in October of 2009 when they made up 13.5% of workers).
In October of 2022, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, announced the Million Women in Construction Initiative while speaking at the North American Building Trades Union’s Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference. The goal is to double the number of women in construction from one million to two million over the next 10 years.
Despite this positive news, a recent survey revealed that both women and underrepresented groups tend to leave construction at a higher rate. This study was completed as a way to solve the talent retention dilemma being seen across the industry. (Some background: In May of 2022, the Associated General Contractor of America (AGC) recorded the “highest number of construction job openings since the turn of the century.” Simultaneously, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed that construction employees are quitting at twice the rate of layoffs or discharges. This trend has been consistent for the last 16 months).
You can view the full report analyzing the data collected from this survey here!
This past Wednesday, Procore hosted a webinar called “The Data on Diversity and Women in Construction.” Members of Team D&B attended to uncover reasons behind the industry’s retention problem and also celebrate the significant milestones in representation. One of the speakers in attendance was Betsy Bagley, Co-Founder and Director of Pulsely, an organization that helps companies measure and monitor the progress of their DEI efforts and the impact it has on business performance. She pointed out how the study revealed that “yes, everyone wants career advancement and better pay, but inclusion is also a driving factor that the typical woman was likely to attribute to their reason on deciding to leave the industry. Far more women agree that inclusion is a challenge that plays a role in them deciding to leave the industry.”
A University of Maryland study published in October 2022 shed light on the visible gender imbalance in construction. It revealed that “54 percent of women who achieve leadership roles in construction have advanced degrees, compared to just 31 percent of men. Additionally, women typically work for 56 percent more companies and hold 19 percent more job titles than their male counterparts.” These disparities clearly illustrate the additional steps women are often forced to take to advance their careers.
In order to continue the trend of increasing women in construction and showing women that they already have a place on job sites, it is important that we collectively make change happen. In the webinar provided by Procore, Pulsely’s Co-Founder and Director, Betsy Bagley, noted that “people working in the industry are committed to the industry. They just want to see change from their employers.” Today’s workforce wants organizations to take it a step beyond just addressing how inclusion looks. They want companies to meaningfully address how inclusion feels.
Here’s Some Ways To Get The Job Done:
-Companies can enroll their female employees into their local chapter for The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which provides professional development, networking, education, leadership training and more to women throughout the Nation. There are 118 NAWIC chapters across America for women in the industry to get involved in. You can learn more about the history of this organization, as well as resources for women by heading to our #WICweek blog from last year.
-Boost innovation by boosting inclusion. Inclusion matters not only for obvious reasons, but it can also affect a company’s bottom line. According to a BCG study, companies with higher levels of diversity get more revenue from new products and services.” Likewise, a study by McKinsey revealed that “companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile.”
-Hold people accountable for behavior that is less than inclusive or inadequate. Visible Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – or DEI leadership – that shows commitment to the priorities of DEI goes a long way.
-Offer more structured career development and be more deliberate and intentional about offering fair career development for everyone.
The future of construction will heavily be defined by how our industry addresses the inequities discussed in this article. At D&B Construction, we believe that empowering all of our employees to feel included so they know their company is committed to their continued success is vital not only for our continued success as an organization, but our collective success as an industry.
A Q&A With The Ladies Of D&B:
We asked some of the women on Team D&B to offer their insight. See what they had to say below! You can view other features from years past here and here on our blog.
Meet Jessica Nelis, Director of Operations –
Number of Years in the Industry: 15
How She First Got Started in the Industry:
“I started by taking drafting, engineering and art classes in high school and went to college to major in design. After college, I worked as a designer at an architecture firm and then switched into project management.”
Q: Is this industry one you always wanted to be involved in?
A: “I first started to consider design & construction in high school, although I wasn’t exactly sure which specific path within the industry I wanted to take. I enjoyed both art and science throughout high school and thought this industry was the perfect crossroads of left brained and right brained thinking. I am intrigued by the concept of an idea coming together in a practical and aesthetic way to solve a problem with a tangible and lasting result.”
Q: What do you love most about your job and why?
A: “What I love most about my job is the continual growth – both for the company and me personally. D&B has been on a steep growth trajectory since I started here 5 ½ years ago. When I was hired, there were only 15 employees so everyone wore many hats. I worked as both an estimator and project manager in residential and commercial construction. I was exposed to many different project types and facets of the business. My diverse experience throughout a variety of departments and divisions provided me with a unique perspective and position to support the company with first-hand knowledge of our systems and processes.”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “I love being involved in an industry that is so critical to people’s lives. Buildings are essential to communities and families. They’re where we live, learn and conduct business on a daily basis.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry? How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: “Women add value because they offer a unique perspective. Studies show women tend to be more web thinkers than men so being able to connect the dots across the big picture is helpful in STEM based industries such as construction.”
Q: If you could go back and tell your younger self one piece of advice that you know now, what would it be?
A: “Don’t overthink it or second guess yourself; just do it… with confidence!”
Q: Do you feel there is now more women in the field compared to when you first began in the industry? Why / why not?
A: I am encouraged to hear more young girls are entering STEM related fields, which gives me hope for the future! It’s a great field to consider for women – studies show the pay gap is smaller in construction than most other industries.
Meet Rachel Hope, Office Coordinator –
Number of Years in the Industry: 2
Q: Is this industry one you always wanted to be involved in?
A: “I never pictured myself working in the construction industry (administration side), and I was nervous changing my medical career to this industry but I could not be happier I made this move. I have learned so much in the last two years, and I am thankful for the time our team has taken to answer and teach me everything and anything I need to know about construction.”
Q: What do you love most about your job and why?
A: “Being the point of contact and keeping the office running as smooth as possible for everyone to work efficiently with office supplies and have necessities at hand. Also, I am so happy to learn how marketing works, help to schedule meetings for the team, and volunteer in our community when time allows. I’m so happy to be part of such a great team.”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “I love seeing the before and after of finished projects. I am amazed how one day I am driving past a cornfield and a year later seeing families living in houses, making memories in that same spot. Everybody has such an important job to make these projects a reality.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry? How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: “Women in the construction industry bring a lot to the table. We were born multi-taskers, we can balance and juggle duties, and we have great organizational skills. Women need to build one another up and help one another succeed in this career.”
Meet Anna Velinsky, Estimator –
Number of Years in the Industry: 18
How She First Got Started in the Industry:
“My dad was a structural engineer, and as a kid I always saw him at the draftsman table. I think my first ‘construction’ drawings were plans I drew for a bird house at the age of 5 sitting next to him at that huge table with weird arms and rulers. It fascinated me.”
Q: What do you love most about your job and why?
A: “Every project is as unique as the people who the project is going to serve. It is never boring.”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “Making a dream of a building become a reality. You are part of creating something that people use and everyone can see and appreciate.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry?
A: “Despite it being a male dominated industry I’m not treated any differently and respected for my abilities. I find it’s a very meritocratic industry where anyone can succeed no matter what gender they are. There’s a true equality in opportunity for women. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Q: How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: Women have natural abilities to be detail oriented and good at multi-tasking.
Q: If you could go back and tell your younger self one piece of advice that you know now, what would it be?
A: “Be confident in your abilities. The world is full of possibilities. Go for it!”
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
A: “The industry will always require qualified and talented people. There’s no better time to consider construction industry as a very rewarding career choice.”
Q: Do you feel there is now more women in the field compared to when you first began in the industry? Why / why not?
A: “Yes, I see a lot more women in all construction related professions. Women are attracted to rewarding long term careers where they can be financially successful.”
Meet Melany Eltz, Commercial Project Coordinator –
Number of Years in the Industry: 1
How She First Got Started in the Industry:
“My involvement in the construction industry first started when working for a retail store fixture manufacturing company. How something starts as a paper drawing and ends up as a complete fixture in a certain amount of time amazed me.”
Q: Is this industry one you always wanted to be involved in?
A: “Not at first. I wanted to be involved in the pharmaceutical science industry and changed my interest to marketing and business management. From there, I landed in the manufacturing industry, which then lead me to the construction industry which I didn’t realize would be so exciting!”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “There is a lot of variety which keeps it interesting, and I am always learning something new.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry? How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: “I’ve always considered myself a strong woman in a man’s world. It is a good feeling to be accepted in this industry as a woman, and I am proud to be working together with men. Women are naturally adept at reasoning and listening, which I feel is integral to building good relationships and trust with workers, contractors, and vendors. I also feel women add value by staying more organized.”
Q: If you could go back and tell your younger self one piece of advice that you know now, what would it be?
A: “Never be afraid of trying anything new; keep your head up and persevere.”
Q: What advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
A: “In any industry, be confident in yourself, respect those who are more knowledgeable and learn from them. You’ll eventually gain their respect as well.”
Meet Maddie, Construction Intern –
Number of Years in the Industry: 1
How She First Got Started in the Industry:
“My first experience in the construction industry is now with D&B through my internship. I chose this internship opportunity because it would give me insight into all of the different occupations, and I get to see the different types of employees that work together in the construction process.”
Q: Is this industry one you always wanted to be involved in?
A: “I knew that I wanted to be involved in either the engineering or architectural side of the construction process since middle school, but it has only been this year through my internship with D&B that I decided I want to go into residential architecture.”
Q: What do you love most about your internship and why?
A: “I love that I get to see the construction and on-site side of the design process because I will see less of this side of the industry in college and once I start my career as an architect. However, I still need to understand this side of the process to be successful, so this experience is very valuable.”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “My favorite thing about the industry is how many people of different job types and backgrounds get to work together in one company or on one project to make the process run smoothly.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry? How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: “I am proud to be a woman in this industry because it is an accomplishment to be able to thrive in a male-dominated industry – especially being younger. I believe women provide a different perspective to the industry and bring new and successful ideas.”
Q: What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the industry?
A: “I would tell them to be confident. Even when they may not think so, they belong here and should stand up for themselves. Always ask questions because you can always learn from others around you.”
Meet Angela Cremer, Marketing and Communications Coordinator –
Number of Years in the Industry: 2.5
Q: How did you first join the industry? Is construction something you always wanted to be involved in?
A: “I found myself in this industry as a result of COVID-19. Prior to this, I worked on the corporate marketing team of Boscov’s, a large retail department store. When the pandemic hit, we were laid off and thus my job search began. I never really set out to join the construction industry. When I joined D&B, I had not previously worked for a construction company and had little construction knowledge. I had done marketing, PR, and branding for a variety of other industries, from restoration and retail to many nonprofits, so it was a learning curve – and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I regularly am going on jobsites to document the progress, so in the last two years I’ve become more confident in my knowledge through OSHA training provided by D&B and just gaining the experience that comes with time.”
Q: What do you love most about your job and why?
A: “I find the responsibility of marketing a construction company fun and rewarding. It is such a neat process to document a job from start to finish.”
Q: What do you love most about the industry and why?
A: “There’s so much that goes into a construction project before mobilization happens and before boots even hit the ground. I love being part of the ins and outs of this process and seeing our team create new buildings or breathe new life into old buildings throughout our community is gratifying.”
Q: Women make up only about 10.9% of all workers at a construction site in the U.S. What makes you proud to be a woman working in this male-dominated industry? How do women add value to this male-dominated industry?
A: “I’m proud of the women in this industry because they are breaking glass ceilings every day. There’s research and data that prove a positive correlation between companies with a more gender diverse leadership team and profitability. I think that tells you everything you need to know about how women add value to a male-dominated industry.”
Q: How can male leaders within the industry empower their female colleagues?
A: “By evaluating a woman’s job performance by the one relevant factor – her work product. How she looks or dresses or other personal factors should not play a role. Simply treating women as equals in the field goes a long way. I recently completed volunteer work with co-workers that involved installing cabinets to renovate a nonprofit’s kitchen. As an office worker, I wasn’t treated differently than my male co-workers in the field. They were all willing to teach me the proper way to use certain tools and offer insight without judgement so I could gain hands-on construction experience.”
Q: What advice would you give to other women looking to enter the industry?
A: “A recent article I read stated: ‘For women, advancing in the AEC industry generally means having to climb career ladders with more rungs than men of similar status.’ Don’t let the visible gender imbalance in construction stop you from achieving your goals. Instead, use it as fuel to light your fire. The view from the top once you break the glass ceiling will taste that much sweeter since you worked so hard to get there.”