Making Space For Women In Construction 

How Women Can Win In A Construction Career 

There are lots of opportunities for women in the construction industry, despite the various challenges you are bound to encounter along the way. The construction industry is a male-dominated field with women making up only 9% of the total workforce. While the numbers are slowly increasing with the adoption of policies that advocate for gender balance in the work place, women in construction sites are still faced with lots of challenges. Gender stereotypes, sexual harassment, wage gaps and access to opportunities are just a few of the challenges faced by women. Are you just starting out your career in construction? Here are a few tips that will help you deal with the challenges you may face as a woman in construction.

Learn To Grow

Anyone who is passionate and hardworking in their trade is destined to go further. Seek out opportunities to learn more. This way you’ll naturally increase your level of confidence in your career through experience. Being good at your job will earn you respect among your colleagues and make you indispensable in the workplace. This is one way to insure success in your chosen career.

Work With Mentors

Guidance from those with experience is one of the best ways to navigate a career in any industry. It is no different for women in construction. It is important to find a network of women in the same industry as you, to mentor you throughout your career. Your mentors will help you find the best solutions to the challenges you might face. Get to meet possible mentors by signing-up with industry associations for women in construction, and attending their networking events.

Manage Better

The biggest challenge women face on the construction site is insubordination from male colleagues and employees. To counter this, a woman has to find the best management approach to ensure that the instructions issued are followed strictly by her subordinates. Authoritarian and autocratic approaches may work for their male counterparts. However, women often find that Management-by-Objectives and democratic approaches bear more fruit.

This is an inclusive method of management. The opinions and ideas of others are valued, especially when it comes to designing systems for the achievement of objectives, disciplinary actions, recognition and rewards. This also creates a great rapport and teamwork within the workplace and ensures objectives are met in the best possible way.

Stand Up And Speak Out 

It is important to speak up against any form of prejudice in the work place. As you begin your contract, let your colleagues and team members know your professional and ethical standards. Set professional boundaries. Litigation is frowned upon in the construction industry. Therefore it is important to find amicable ways to raise your concerns in the work place on matters like low salaries for women and gender stereotypes.

Of course, litigation does happen, and it is always better to be prepared. Whether you’re an independent contractor, the owner of a contracting business, or a professional who works on site you must prepare against liabilities that include bodily injury, damage to property, professional liability, damage to company vehicles. Find out all your options before investing in an insurance program so that you are sure that you have comprehensive coverage at the best rate. Consult with the experienced insurance agents at Small Business Liability.

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