A Bright Future for Women in Construction: Satisfaction, Employment, Gender Equality all Make Significant Strides in 2021
The environment for women in construction is improving, with 76 percent of women surveyed stating that the construction industry is changing for the better and 80 percent saying they love their job, according to the 2022 Levelset Women in Construction report released this week. The report offers a glimpse into the female experience of working in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
The construction industry has become a more popular career choice for women over the past several years and the median age of women entering the field appears to be decreasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, women accounted for 11 percent of the construction workforce, occupying more than 1.2 million positions, an increase of 133,000 jobs since 2018. Many of the new roles have likely been obtained by younger women, given that nearly half (47%) of this year's survey respondents were under 45 years old compared to just one-third a year ago.
"While the labor shortage continues to challenge the construction industry, it also presents an opportunity for women and employers alike," said Scott Wolfe, Jr., CEO of Levelset, A Procore Company. "The companies who embrace women and what they can bring to the table while focusing on major issues impacting the industry including gender equality and pay equity will be the winners in 2022."
Gender equality in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry improved in 2021. More than three-quarters (76%) of women surveyed believe their own company's leadership listens to all employees equally, regardless of gender, up from just 65 percent a year prior. In addition, roughly four out of five women reported: their co-workers are respectful towards them (85%); they feel respected and valued as much as their coworkers (79%); and they believe their opinions, ideas, and suggestions are genuinely considered (81%).
Other notable survey findings:
- Fifty-four percent of survey respondents said they agreed that men and women are paid equally to do the same work at their job.
- Sixty-nine percent of women feel they have an opportunity to advance at their company, compared to 63 percent from the previous survey.
- Twenty-five percent of women reported receiving inappropriate comments or unwanted attention from coworkers or supervisors at their workplace. Of women who reported this experience, 40 percent say it only happens rarely, and 60 percent reported it happening occasionally or even regularly.
- Top reasons women said they liked working in construction: Pride in creating physical buildings, being creative and solving problems, helping customers and clients, flexible work schedules, fast-paced and ever-changing work, and the people they get to work with.
- Top reasons women said they disliked working in construction: Complicated payment paperwork and "red tape," project delays, construction is still very male-dominated, long or erratic hours, fast-paced can also mean challenging and demanding work, and the impact of weather conditions on the job.
More than 550 respondents from across the United States participated in the survey, which closed at the end of February 2022. Of those, 82 percent work for a general contractor or subcontractor, and the majority have been in their role between two and 10 years.
Levelset conducted this survey as a part of its observance of Women in Construction Week and Women's History Month. The full report can be downloaded at www.levelset.com/news/women-construction-survey-2022/. Throughout the week, Levelset published interviews with key women in construction including NAWIC President Catherine Schoenberger. On March 10, Levelset hosted a panel discussion with three women in construction to discuss "How Women in Construction Keep the Industry Alive (& Thriving)." On March 16 at 11 AM PDT, Procore will host a webinar, "Foundations for Progress: Unlock the Power of Sponsorship." For more information about Procore's Women In Construction initiatives, visit www.procore.com/wic/.
About Levelset
Levelset's mission is to empower contractors to always get what they earn. Levelset's products help millions in the construction industry each year to make payment paperwork and compliance easier, get cash faster, monitor the risk on jobs and contractors, and better understand payment processes and rules. The results are faster payments, access to capital, and fewer surprises. Founded in 2012, Levelset is based in New Orleans, La., with offices in Austin, Tex. and Cairo, Egypt and is owned and operated by Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR). For more information, visit www.levelset.com.
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