Sunday, February 28, 2021 Women in Construction A five-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: Foster a respectful, inclusive workplace culture through clear communication. New hires and employers often identify similar challenges in the workplace. Common concerns include personal safety, understanding job expectations, and navigating workplace culture. Employers also note the importance of making expectations, norms, and support systems clear to all employees. Workplaces are shaped by assumptions, attitudes, roles, and norms, many of which may be unspoken, unwritten, or informal. In environments where one group has historically been overrepresented, these norms can sometimes make it more challenging for newcomers or underrepresented employees to confidently navigate workplace expectations and culture. Clear communication and inclusive practices help everyone adapt and succeed. When orienting new employees, be sure to clearly explain the following workplace norms 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 Behind Every Smile 23 Jul 2026 #WomenWednesday - Shandora Threadgould 22 Jul 2026 The Power of Asking for Help 20 Jul 2026 How to Manage an Insecure Leader 16 Jul 2026