The construction industry has traditionally been a very male-dominated field. Today, women are also increasingly employed in management positions in the industry, although the proportion of women in the industry, and especially in management positions, is still small.
Imagination and work experiences have a key influence when young people consider their study choices. There is still a lot of work to be done in terms of accumulating positive experiences and especially influencing image in the construction industry, which is not made easier by negative media coverage.
In the 2021 construction industry skills needs survey it was stated that women aim especially for university studies, and not for vocational training. More than half of university students have been women for a long time. However, the exception is the construction industry, which still does not appear to be an attractive option for women at any level of education.
In 2020, there were women
- an average of 11,5 percent of people with a degree in construction
- 6,7 percent of those who completed a vocational basic qualification
- 18,5 percent of those with a university of applied sciences degree
- 26 percent of those with a higher university degree as well as
- 21 percent of those who have completed a master's degree in civil engineering.
Work communities and especially company management have begun to better understand the meaning of diversity and its importance. This also means the need to increase the share of women in the construction industry. Here are some reasons:
Diversity and broadening your perspective
A diverse work community brings with it different perspectives, ideas and approaches. Diversity is especially important when looking for creative solutions and trying to meet the needs of different customers.
Expanding the workforce
There is a skills and labor shortage in the construction industry, especially in terms of special skills and responsible management positions. The green transition will create new jobs in the sector and will require more and more extensive expertise. Foreign labor has long been a necessity for the construction industry - so is the strengthening role of women in the industry's working life.
Team work and work atmosphere
A diverse work environment can increase the efficiency and productivity of employees. Utilizing different skills and strengths enables more effective problem solving and decision making. When the "right" people are in the right place in the company's organization and the company's values are internalized and perceived as one's own, the management is trusted, people are comfortable and motivated, people's drive increases and better results are achieved.
Company reputation
Companies that are committed to responsibility, diversity and equality can be a very attractive workplace, especially for young people. Today, more and more subscribers also appreciate companies that are committed to diversity and social responsibility. People want to apply for a job in a reputable company and commit to them.
Equality
Equality is a principle that promotes fairness and enables everyone to participate in working life. Equality can also have positive effects on economic efficiency. When all people have equal opportunities to participate in the labor market and social development, it can lead to wider competence and creativity, which benefits society as a whole. If the distribution of family leave between parents was more balanced, it would be better possible to eliminate traditional gender roles and give both mothers and fathers the opportunity to participate as responsible parents in the care and upbringing of their children and at the same time also develop in their working careers.
However, it is important to note that the goal should not only be to increase the number of women in the construction industry, but to promote all kinds of diversity and equality. For companies and the industry, all kinds of talent and know-how can be a great asset.
A smart employer takes care of a physically and psychologically safe work environment for his work community. However, the attitude and culture of the work community also starts from each of us: what do we allow and do we value each other enough? Management also has an important role to intervene in disruptive situations and thus also possibly correct the direction of the culture of their work community.
Is your company and work community the kind where you could imagine your own daughter working? If not, then to quote Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Write a comment