A Diverse and Inclusive Construction Industry Benefits Us All

In construction, we know the value of planning, adaptability and embracing change; it’s how we build for the future. That same approach is critical as we address a pressing challenge facing our industry: the workforce shortage.

The latest statistics from our industry highlight a pressing challenge: over the next decade, we’ll need more than 350,000 new workers. To put that into perspective, this need accounts for nearly 21 per cent of the current workforce. As an industry, we are struggling to meet the growing workforce needs, and this demand underscores the urgent need for real action and immediate solutions.

As we work to meet these workforce challenges, we must recognize that long-term success depends on building an industry that is truly inclusive and diverse. Currently, 86 per cent of nearly 1.6 million construction workers are men. By taking meaningful steps today, we can ensure that construction remains strong, innovative and sustainable. By attracting more women to the industry, we can access a diverse talent pool ready to drive significant change. Ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce can provide fresh perspectives, innovative solutions and stronger collaboration, benefiting not just women, but everyone in the industry.

According to a study by McKinsey, companies with greater gender diversity are 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability. Promoting women in construction can lead to stronger business outcomes and drive innovation, while addressing our need for more workers today and in the future.

The time is now to focus on attracting and retaining women and, ultimately, creating a more inclusive industry. Research conducted by the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) with members of the Angus Reid Forum across Canada underscored the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the construction industry. A significant majority, 69 per cent, of respondents believe these factors are crucial for the industry’s prosperity and growth. In addition, 73 per cent of women surveyed agree that more must be done to attract and retain women in construction. These findings show that the desire for change is there. Achieving this will lead to a stronger, more inclusive and unified industry that will thrive in the years to come.

We need to create a construction industry where women are fully represented, respected and empowered at all levels, leading to a more inclusive and unified future.

Challenges such as childcare, pay equity, equitable job titles and access to inclusive personal protection equipment are just a few of the barriers that continue to stop women from joining our industry, while at the same time cause women to leave the industry. Leaders across the construction landscape need to take bold action to solve these issues and create an environment where women can thrive. As the construction industry strives to facilitate the effective representation of women, mentorship and sponsorship, and the availability of such opportunities for women, are key factors in achieving this goal.

Immediate and effective action is crucial to attract women to the construction industry, and this includes breaking down traditional barriers; providing training, networking opportunities and resources; and, being continually focused on ensuring inclusion is the cornerstone of a company’s actions. With every step forward, we can all help women enter and advance in their construction careers.

By embracing diversity and inclusion, we not only meet the growing demand for workers, but we can also unlock the full potential of the industry. Women bring fresh perspectives, innovation and talent, which are essential for the continued success and growth of construction. Together, we can create an industry where we all succeed.

These are the findings of a survey conducted by CAWIC from Feb. 23-27, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,505 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English.