The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, particularly on job sites. However, significant progress has been made in hiring and advancing women into project management and leadership roles. In 2020, women represented just 10.9% of the construction workforce; since then, that has increased to 14%. In addition, women hold more than 20% of construction leadership positions – a statistic that would have seemed unthinkable 20 years ago.
Why Hire More Women in Construction?
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in targeted recruitment efforts aimed at bringing more women into construction. For one thing, women represent a largely untapped labor pool that can help mitigate the industry’s ongoing labor shortage. In addition, construction leaders are prioritizing “soft skills,” such as strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, relationship-building abilities, and adaptability to clients’ management styles. While both men and women can bring these strengths to the workplace, multiple studies suggest that women, on average, demonstrate higher levels of emotional intelligence. These key strengths can foster trust with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Women in senior project management roles are also leveraging these skills in business development, directly contributing to company revenue and shaping strategic growth initiatives.
How to Attract More Women in Construction
To attract and retain women in the industry, construction companies are creating environments that support early-career opportunities for female graduates, mentorship programs, and continuous learning initiatives focused on technology and leadership development. These efforts are not only increasing the representation of women in construction but also strengthening the industry as a whole.
But creating opportunities doesn’t start at the entry level. Companies that want the best chance to help women succeed must continue to create opportunities at all levels of management, including in the C-suite. Having women in leadership positions can help companies ensure that up-and-coming female employees are seen, supported, and valued. For example, companies with women in leadership positions are more likely to have equal pay for men and women – a goal that the industry as a whole is still working toward.
Companies can continue learning about how to support women in construction by joining and advertising with women-led professional development and networking organizations, keeping lines of communication open with their female employees, and developing cultures of trust and respect among all employees.
Advice for Women in Construction
For those at the beginning of their careers: Study construction, architecture, or engineering in college, or learn a trade. Seek out reputable construction firms with well-established internship programs in your area. Gaining hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn about career paths and envision your future as a valuable team member. Really get to know the industry and have realistic expectations, including understanding that you will be working on site much of the time. Also, work to develop a thick skin and high emotional intelligence – both of these traits are important for anyone who wants to succeed in the construction industry.
One woman we placed as a Project Manager in 2005 has grown her career to Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Construction for a company valued at over $1 billion. However, her career journey wasn’t always easy. At one company, she was passed over for a promotion, but she knew what she wanted, so she took her talents to the market and ended up getting hired by another company at an even higher level. Women in construction must advocate for themselves, know their worth, and put in the work to get where they want to be.
As Bob Dylan said, “The times, they are a-changin’.” The construction industry is incredibly diverse, offering opportunities for those with engineering expertise, a passion for design, or strong planning and interpersonal communication skills. With the right mentorship and experience, women can build rewarding, long-term careers in this evolving field.
