Sunday, February 28, 2021 Women in Construction A 10-part series exploring best practices to recruit and retain women in the construction workplace Newsletters Alberta Local 63 BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Ontario Construction Saskatchewan Local 151 Best Practice #2: Understand and communicate your workplace environment and culture. Both women and employers identify similar challenges for women in the workplace. Women most often identify challenges related to personal safety, understanding job expectations, and dealing with workplace culture realities. Employers most often identify challenges related to women not understanding workplace realities and expectations. Workplaces are shaped by assumptions, attitudes, roles, and norms. These are all things that are often unspoken, unwritten, and informal. A male-dominant culture will surely affect these assumptions and norms. Men are able to easily adapt to this culture, but it is much more difficult for women to understand “how things work around here.” When orientating new women, be sure to clearly explain the following five workplace culture and expectations. Formal and informal hierarchy Start times, end times, and breaks How/when/who to ask for help The role of the apprentice Standards with regards to respect in the workplace and humour You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026