Why Construction Companies Should Hire Women

In an industry where women occupy only 11 percent of the jobs, construction companies now want to hire female workers. They understand that gender diverse organizations are more likely to have above-average profits and that individual corporations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies look to grant awards based, in part, on overall diversity. Women can have the same aptitude for the field as men, while bringing a diverse perspective. And some qualities for which they are known, such as organizational skills and multi-tasking, may be especially well-suited to construction management.

Here are some reasons construction companies may be looking to hire women in management:

Increase the Workforce Pool

There is currently a shortage of both male and female construction managers. A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) found that 44 percent of construction leaders identified the limited supply of field managers as a top risk for 2019 and beyond. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index reports that more than 90 percent of contractors have been concerned over labor shortages for 4 consecutive quarters.

Demand for construction managers is up due to a rebounding economy, an aging workforce, and a dwindling supply of new talent. Companies are trying to attract any workers, male or female, but since so few women are in the field, they represent a new pool of job candidates.

Companies Hope to Win More Construction Bids

Public and private companies both consider diversity critical to their growth and profitability. That’s why during construction bidding processes, they often score bidders on how they hire. While bids consider a variety of factors, whether women are on construction sites and in senior management positions matters now. When bidding on multi-million-dollar contracts, construction companies want every advantage; women have become an advantage.

Generate More Business from Female Clients

According to the National Association of Realtors, single women made up 19 percent of all homebuyers in 2021, a share that continues to trend upward. Single men make up 9 percent of buyers, while couples comprise 70 percent. When clients want to build a new home or make renovations, construction companies may be better positioned to attract more female clients if they have women as a point of contact throughout a building project.

Gain Diverse Perspectives

Adding women to an industry dominated by men provides companies with new perspectives. For example, a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that women in leadership positions work more cooperatively than men. Construction projects require a high-level of collaboration to be successful and adding individuals with an inclination toward this type of communication has been found to improve overall workforce productivity. Especially as more organizations realize the benefits of diversity, women can fill roles that will help an individual organization be innovative and competitive.

Desirable Skills and Abilities

Although men may be the stereotype of a construction worker and manager, those old-fashioned ideas are fast falling away. In fact, a study done at the University of Florida found that women are just as capable in spatial perception, manual dexterity, mathematical calculations, and computer literacy. They also tend to be very well organized and are able to work on more than one project at a time.

To work as a construction manager, you generally need a bachelor’s degree and experience in the field. At National American University, we offer a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a construction field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.