Women in Construction

Best practices to recruit and retain women in the construction workplace.

How can recruiters, employers, and supervisors support women in entering, and excelling in careers in trades? 

Best Practice #1: Conduct interviews, job expectations, and evaluations with consistency.

Women make an intentional decision to enter the construction sector. If the candidate has previous experience or completed a pre-trades program, it is safe to assume that they are making an informed career choice and can be seriously considered for the job. 

Ask candidates questions connected to their ability to perform and fit in with the workplace culture. Ask about their transferrable skills and competencies. 

If the woman is incapable of doing the work and is posing a danger to the workplace, do not be afraid to let her go, as you would with any employee who is not meeting the expectations. That said, do not judge any further women candidates based on any past experiences. 

Evaluate potential recruits based on their own merit and capabilities, and not stereotyping or reflecting past experiences.

Check out the recent Women in the Trades infographic from Statistics Canada for the latest numbers.

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.

1. Formal and informal hierarchy
2. Start times, end times, and breaks
3. How/when/who to ask for help
4. The role of the apprentice
5. Standards with regards to respect in the workplace and humour

Best Practice #3: Post and implement a workplace respect policy.

Implementing a policy regarding workplace respect is an important way to address the workplace culture and shifting any norms that are challenging for women in the industry. Workplace respect policies promote a safe workplace by addressing respect violations.

Violations of respect include unprofessional conduct, harassment, and workplace violence. When workplace policies are established, practiced, and enforced, productivity increases and communication is more effective. Improved workplace respect also helps site supervisors spend less time managing workplace harassment issues, which frees them up to focus more on daily tasks.

Best Practice #4: Provide a Comprehensive Site and Safety Orientation

New female employees on construction sites may be unfamiliar with safety practices on the site. A welcoming environment for women on site means providing a complete and comprehensive safety orientation. Be sure to check in on new employees at the start and end of their shift during their first week of employment.

New recruits may be reluctant to approach supervisors with questions or concerns because they don’t want to bring attention to the fact that they don’t know the answer. Encourage open communication and take the time to answer any questions. This is vital to retaining new hires.

5 Things to Include on Site and Safety Orientation

1. A site map showing key locations (e.g. washrooms, muster areas, medical shacks, emergency equipment, break rooms, lockers)
2. A comprehensive tour of the work site
3. Key emergency contact information
4. Expectations regarding the new employee’s role, specific safety and work procedures, and relevant performance standards or policies
5. Acceptable standards of attire and conduct.

Best Practice #5: Provide safety training and properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE)

One of the primary and important safety concerns for women on construction sites is improperly fitting PPE. In a male-dominated industry, much of the equipment is designed with men in mind and does not fit women well, creating a safety hazard for women. It also causes many of them to shift the equipment to a more comfortable position, which is a further safety hazard.

5 Ways That Training and Equipment Can Become Made Safer for Women

1. Seeking out suppliers that offer PPE designed for women. There are women’s sizes available, but also keep an eye out for styles particularly designed for women.
2. Make sure that all employees know how to appropriately handle hazardous material.
3. Provide clean and lockable washroom facilities.
4. Provide clear guidelines regarding safe work policies and practices. Remember, new recruits may be reluctant to speak up.
5. Ensure new recruits know who to talk to about safety concerns

CLAC has begun to research fall protection harnesses for women to ensure that women are provided the best equipment to work well in their trade and feel welcome on their site.

Sources: Women Building Futures (WBF, womenbuildingfutures.ca) and Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA, coaa.ab.ca)