Efforts to retain women in the construction industry are gaining momentum, with calls for a robust parental leave scheme funded by the industry itself. This recommendation arises from a comprehensive study conducted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in collaboration with the University of Sydney Business School. Currently, women represent only 13.6 percent of the construction workforce and a mere 3 percent of trades workers in Australia.
The study highlights a critical gap in support for women during pregnancy and parental leave, which often leads to their departure from the industry as they start families. Investment in pathways for women has not translated into long-term retention due to a lack of adequate support systems.
In a statement, Dr. Natalie Galea, a co-author of the research, noted, “Many of the women we spoke to were the first in their workplace to take parental leave and received little support from managers who lacked knowledge and experience.” The findings indicated significant issues such as forced disclosures, withheld promotions, demotions, and even redundancies for women navigating parental leave.
The study revealed that even workplaces striving to be supportive often fall short. Common obstacles include inadequate health and safety policies, insufficient facilities like women’s toilets and lactation rooms, and unclear parental leave policies. Dr. Galea emphasized that “the employment practices haven’t caught up with having women as part of the workforce – or even allowing men to take on caring responsibilities.”
Recommendations for Improvement
To address these challenges, researchers from the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work conducted a detailed assessment of the barriers that hinder women’s participation in the sector. They found entrenched rigid work practices, including inflexible hours and six-day work weeks, which particularly affect women in regional areas where childcare options are limited.
The research team has developed a toolkit containing actionable recommendations aimed at retaining women throughout pregnancy, parental leave, and their return to work. Associate Professor Myra Hamilton, another co-author of the study, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts: “Progress in this area will require coordinated efforts from trade unions, employer groups, employers, and government.”
The findings underscore a significant need for reform, particularly for small businesses and sole traders, which dominate the construction industry. The report advocates for an industry-funded parental leave scheme, suggesting that an industry levy could provide essential support. Such measures could encourage women to pursue trades while also helping to alleviate the ongoing skills shortage in Australia’s construction sector.
The research was funded by the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to improving gender equality within the industry.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, addressing these critical issues will be vital for both retaining skilled workers and ensuring a diverse workforce. The full report, titled “Boosting retention of women in construction: Supporting women through parental leave,” along with the toolkit, is now available for stakeholders interested in implementing these recommendations.
