Breaking Through

by Stacy Rinella | December 11, 2024 7:01 am

[1]

The construction, design, and architecture industries, historically predominantly male industries, are currently changing before our eyes. With more women entering the field at all levels, there is a growing trend toward seeking guidance from other fellow females. This change highlights the growing importance of female mentorship and support, which is becoming a benefit in advancing women’s careers and improving the industry’s work environment.

[2]

 

Women making their mark

Women are increasingly making their presence felt in construction, with roles expanding across project management, design, engineering, sales, and various supporting trades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women constituted approximately 11.7 percent of the construction workforce in 2023.[3] While this is an improvement, it also calls attention to the ongoing need for mentorship and support in this industry.

Women entering construction today face several obstacles, from navigating a male-dominated culture to confronting stereotypes. Stereotypes like lacking the physical strength necessary for construction roles can undermine their credibility and confidence.

Female mentorship offers support, helping new employees navigate such challenges more effectively.

Yet, women are not only filling roles, they are also changing the industry. Their contributions are reshaping industry practices, leading to more innovative approaches. Women are leading the charge in implementing advanced project management, enhancing communication and efficiency on job sites.

However, overcoming gender biases requires substantial support from experienced female and male leaders who are willing to support the growing female population. Diverse teams, including women, have been shown to improve collaboration and creativity, resulting in projects that are completed on time and within budget.

[4]

 

The importance of female mentorship

Female mentorship is becoming an important element for women in construction. It offers more than just career advice; it provides emotional support, insights into industry dynamics, and strategies for career progression. For women who may be the first in their family or community to join the field, having a mentor can be critical, especially in the early years
of experience.

Research reinforces the importance of mentorship: women who have mentors are 77 percent more likely to still be working in the industry after three years compared to those without mentorship. Thus, mentorship not only supports individual career advancement but also improves retention[5].

A Forbes article notes that mentoring can be particularly beneficial for women, emphasizing that women with mentors are more likely to experience career growth and overall satisfaction. This highlights the importance of mentorship in helping women navigate and succeed in male-dominated industries.[6]

Mentorship bridges the gap between entry-level positions and leadership roles. Women mentors offer valuable perspectives based on their own personal experiences, helping newcomers understand the industry and overcome obstacles firsthand by personal understanding of what is needed to overcome many challenges along the way.

 

Changing industry practices

The rise of female mentorship is now also influencing broader industry practices. Companies that support mentorship programs often experience benefits such as improved employee retention, higher job satisfaction, and enhanced team performance. In fact, organizations with a positive workplace culture see engagement and retention rates that are 30 percent to 50 percent higher than those cultures who do not[7].

Companies that invest in mentorship programs are supporting their employees and boosting their own competitiveness. An inclusive and supportive work environment leads to more innovative solutions and better outcomes.

Diverse teams have been shown to outperform their peers in profitability and productivity. According to Harvard Business Review, gender-diverse teams are 15 percent more likely to excel in these areas. This data highlights the value of initiatives like female mentorship, which helps build more effective and innovative teams[8].

 

Addressing challenges

Despite its advantages, female mentorship in construction faces challenges. Identifying qualified mentors can be difficult, especially in industries where women are  underrepresented. The effectiveness of mentorship programs also depends on the commitment of both mentors and mentees.

A successful mentorship relationship requires dedication from both parties. Structured programs can help ensure that mentors and mentees are aligned and that the mentorship process is productive.

Data from Mentorloop indicates that 87 percent of women with mentor’s report increased confidence in their careers, and 71 percent feel better equipped to handle workplace challenges[9]. This illustrates the need for well-organized mentorship initiatives to support women in the industry.

 

The future of female mentorship

Looking ahead, the role of female mentorship in construction is likely to become even more important. As the industry evolves, there will be a continuous need for experienced women to guide newcomers and advocate for systemic changes that promote gender equity.

Organizations are increasingly recognizing this need and are supporting female mentorship through training programs, networking events, and women-focused industry conferences. These initiatives are essential in creating a supportive network for women at all stages of their careers.

The emphasis on female mentorship represents a need to address gender disparities and foster a more inclusive work environment. As women continue to make significant contributions to the field, mentorship will be key to guiding their success and shaping the future of the construction industry.

Female mentorship is not just about  supporting  individual women but about changing the construction industry into a more dynamic and inclusive field. Embracing mentorship can help the industry reach the full potential of its diverse workforce, drive innovation, and set a positive precedent for future generations.

Elizabeth Hoover is the vice president of people and marketing at Bravas Home Experience Design, a leading national custom integrator of smart home and automation solutions.  For more information, please visit bravas.com.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/breaking-through/

---