Summary:

The New South Wales Government’s latest Women in Construction industry survey is now open and it is not just for women. Builders and trades across the sector are encouraged to have their say on workplace culture, diversity, and the changes needed to build a more inclusive construction industry.

If there is one thing builders understand, it is that a strong industry starts with a strong culture. But how well is the construction sector doing when it comes to creating a place where everyone can thrive?

That is the question behind the NSW Government’s annual Women in Construction industry survey, which is now open to all onsite construction workers, both women and men.

At The Good Builder, we believe builders should be part of leading this conversation. If you are on the tools or running a business in New South Wales, now is the time to contribute your real experiences and insights.

Why this matters

Construction remains one of Australia’s most male dominated industries. Women still represent only 12 per cent of the workforce, although there has been a promising 12.5 per cent increase in female participation in recent years.

The most recent survey results show that women now make up 20 per cent of the workforce in the businesses surveyed. This is a sign of progress, but also a reminder that more work is needed.

Here is why this matters for all builders:

• A more inclusive industry helps attract and retain quality talent
  
• Addressing culture challenges benefits everyone, not only women
  
• Diverse workplaces tend to outperform others in innovation, productivity, and safety
  

In short, improving culture improves business.

What the data is telling us

Previous surveys from the NSW Government have highlighted some difficult realities:

• Sixty nine per cent of women reported experiencing gender based discrimination in the past year
  
• One third encountered workplace sexual harassment
  
• Key barriers include poor work life balance, limited access to flexibility, and a lack of mentoring or leadership pathways
  

It is clear that cultural change is not optional. It is essential if the industry wants to attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers.

What is being done

The government is applying its procurement influence to encourage change by:

• Supporting contractors to adopt more flexible workplace policies
  
• Promoting mentoring and leadership development programs
  
• Trialling capped working hours and five day work weeks on major infrastructure projects including:
  
  • Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two
    
  • Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment
    

These initiatives are intended to make construction a better working environment not just for women but for everyone on site.

The builder’s role and why your voice matters

The current survey takes only ten minutes to complete. The more responses it receives, the better the data will reflect real site experiences.

At The Good Builder, we encourage our community to take part in this effort, whether you are a site manager, contractor, or apprentice.

• If you are a builder or business owner, this is a chance to help shape future project standards and workforce expectations
  
• If you are on the tools, this is your opportunity to provide direct feedback on what is working and where improvement is needed
  

The insights gathered from this survey will inform the next stage of the Women in Construction Program and influence wider reforms to improve workplace culture across the sector.

The Good Builder’s commitment

Our platform exists to support builders and trades, and that includes being part of the push for positive culture change where it is needed.

In the coming weeks, we will be speaking with builders, tradespeople, and site leaders across New South Wales through our articles and podcasts.

We will explore questions such as:

• What does strong workplace culture look like on site
  
• What changes would make construction a better career for everyone
  
• Which businesses are already leading by example and what can we learn from them
  

If you would like to contribute your perspective or share your story, we welcome you to reach out. We will be featuring insights from across the industry in our ongoing coverage.

How to participate

The Women in Construction industry survey is open until Friday 5 July 2024.

You can access it here: official survey portal.

Let us shape the future of this industry together, one honest conversation and one better workplace at a time.

Author: TGB Editorial