The results of the annual Women in Construction Survey have highlighted the need for stronger efforts to promote gender diversity across the sector. With over 1000 responses from NSW construction workers and businesses, the survey identified key challenges faced by men and women, including a lack of work-life balance (62%), lack of flexible working hours (51%) and insufficient mentoring and leadership training (47%). The survey found that achieving work-life balance and flexible work options are critical for staff retention, with 40% of workers considering leaving jobs due to difficulties balancing their work and personal responsibilities.

The findings also revealed that 69% of women had experienced some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, and 33% had experienced workplace sexual harassment. On a positive note, the survey found that the number of women entering the industry has risen by 12.5% in the past year, and of the businesses surveyed, women made up 20% of the construction workforce.

To address the issues highlighted in the survey, the NSW Government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors introduce flexible workplace policies and encourage the development of mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry.

Through the Culture in Construction Taskforce, several infrastructure projects including Transport for NSW’s Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and Health Infrastructure NSW’s Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment are piloting the Culture Standard, which includes capped working hours and a five-day week. Initial findings of the piloted projects suggest improvements to recruitment and retention of women in construction.

The Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program also works with industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace and supportive policies, making construction a more appealing career choice for women. The survey findings will help guide the future direction of the NSW Government’s Women in Construction program, addressing entrenched issues and ensuring progress toward increasing women’s participation in the industry.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the state government can and should leverage its procurement power to increase women’s participation in the industry. “The NSW Government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception. This is an important step in helping all our workers feel respected and valued, listening to what women are calling out for, and showing our commitment to equitable workplaces,” Haylen said.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison added that the future of the trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers.

“It’s important that we're creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles. The insights gathered from the annual Women in Construction Industry Survey will guide the future direction of our programs, ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women in the sector. We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive,” Harrison said.

Source: National Safety Conference Australia Foundation

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