Bridging labor gaps
How can construction companies recruit more women? And what can be done to retain good talent when they walk through the door? In today's edition, we'll look at strengthening the talent pool, as well as new wetland regulations that impact construction businesses. But first: Take a look at the home renovation frenzy happening in San Francisco's Billionaires' Row.
>> Where are the roofers? Billing itself as "where the roofing industry meets," RoofersCoffeeShop on Instagram features interviews with contractors, product information, conference reports and construction news and memes.
>> Lessons learned. In the latest installment of the Labor Lounge Podcast, Edward DeAngelis, founder of EDA Contractors, talks about creating a positive workplace culture, supporting mental health and emphasizing personal and professional development at his firm.
>> What are you thinking? Tune into the most recent episode of The Morning Huddle to learn about construction management using "The Build Mindset" from Eric Van Why, Jon Fox and Megan Ross of Coakley & Williams Construction.
>> Change your perspective. Field-First Mentality: The Key to Better Project Outcomes is an AGC webinar covering how to focus on the job site, boost efficiency and improve communication and collaboration. (Mar. 26).
>> Just for fun. A new discovery proves our ancient ancestors were using tools long before we originally thought.
'Show women the limitless opportunities available'
Though their numbers are increasing, women are still underrepresented in the industry, which remains 86% male. A recent survey from the trade group Professional Women in Construction, New York Chapter (PWC NY) identified barriers and opportunities to improve the situation. In recognition of Women's History Month, we asked Regina Rivera, the organization’s executive director, to look back and ahead at the state of women in construction, and what we can learn from the survey results.
—Margot Lester
How has the state of women in construction changed in the last 10 years?
The number of women in construction increased in recent years, reaching a new high of 1.3 million, but there is a lot of room for growth. Women are taking on more leadership roles, which is very exciting. There are still some instances where women are not treated as equals in the industry, but their accomplishments are speaking volumes and changing perceptions every day.
What's the most important finding from the survey?
The PWC NY survey revealed that a big obstacle in increasing the number of women in the construction industry is the lack of awareness of the professional jobs in the field. It’s our aim to show women the limitless opportunities available to them and the many advantages—including one of the lowest gender pay gaps, with women earning 95% of what men do.
What can men in the industry do to be effective allies?
Create a female-friendly work environment, including benefits that appeal to women such as flexible hours and a generous maternity leave; a mentorship program within the company; safety equipment and PPE geared to women; and a clear and enforced no-tolerance policy for harassment. This makes a statement that women are welcome and valued. Raising awareness of the AEC industry as a career path for women is also key. [Companies can] increase efforts to recruit at career fairs, trade schools and colleges and offer internships and mentorships for young women.
What's one trend you hope continues this year?
Setting industry-wide goals to protect the environment and focusing on sustainability are trends that I am hopeful will continue. At recent industry panel discussion events hosted by PWC NY, we’ve explored topics such as decarbonization and resilience infrastructure, including strategies for retrofitting existing buildings, compliance considerations and design implications for the future.
How more women can ease the construction labor shortage
A lot has changed since Emily Warren Roebling took over managing the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, Washington, became seriously ill in 1872. But today, just 14% of the industry workforce is female—with most women holding administrative and support roles.
Companies can increase the number of women in trades, at the worksite and in leadership with focused recruitment efforts. In addition to designing benefits and policies that resonate with these workers and highlighting the industry's high pay for crew members without college educations, employers can create and promote a compelling career path by:
- Offering tuition waivers or stipends to support upskilling that leads to higher-paying positions.
- Identifying scholarship and grant opportunities to encourage more formal education, like those offered by the Professional Women in Building and National Housing Endowment.
Why it matters: The U.S. Department of Commerce suggests that attracting more women to the trades could ease the labor shortage. And companies that recruit from this talent pool gain a competitive advantage over those who don’t. (ForConstructionPros.com)
>> Sticker Shock: Materials prices continue to rise
>> Reg Review: Missouri municipal green building codes in jeopardy
>> Military Materials: Armed Services call up 3D printing and mass timber
>> Demand Driver: Outpatient care propels medical market
Here's how to hold onto your best workers
With quits increasing in construction, focusing on retention is a strategic move. Here are four ways to hold onto the talent you have:
- Create an affirming culture that acknowledges achievements, supports professional advancement and offers anti-bias classes.
- Solicit and act on feedback about systems, policies and practices to keep team members engaged.
- Invest in safety to reduce accidents that prompt workers to leave the industry and to demonstrate your genuine interest in their well-being.
- Offer retirement plans that are coveted by an aging workforce.
Why it matters: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growing demand for construction workers, particularly in the skilled trades. Retaining your current crew is crucial to your ability to capitalize on opportunities and run a sustainable business. (Churchill Central)
New wetland requirements will affect construction
Last week, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a memorandum clarifying the Clean Water Act’s definition of “adjacent wetlands.” The new language stipulates that wetlands must have a “continuous surface connection” to a jurisdictional water to qualify as adjacent and be protected by the act. The change ends adjacency for wetlands separated by dikes, uplands, berms or “indirect hydrologic features” like pipes, ditches and swales.
The move is causing concern because it creates confusion and reduces protections for these natural buffers that play a critical role in stormwater management, carbon sequestration, flood prevention and water filtration.
Why it matters: Construction companies now need to confirm direct physical contact between a wetland and a jurisdictional water in field assessments. (Florida Specifier)
- Know your wetlands. Dial into this Swamp School webinar and learn to identify hydrological zones and surface water connections so your projects comply with the latest government regulations. (Apr. 17)
- Enhance management skills. Learn how EQ factors into collaborative project delivery and fuels business success in CMAA's on-demand two-part course, Emotional Intelligence in the AEC Industry.
- Plan ahead. See what Deloitte analysts predict and get their recommendations for leveraging opportunities in the two-part Future of the Construction Industry report.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.
