NEWS IN NUMBERS
20% The percentage of
respondents who thought the Budget announced at the end of 2024 would be good for the construction industry . Source: Quantity surveying firm Gleeds
Women face barriers in construction
W omen working in mid- level roles in the built environment show unique values, strengths and markers that affect their progress, new research has found. A report from mentoring, development and networking organisation, The Circle Partnership, uncovered issues affecting women’s career progression in mid-level roles. Across several “unexpectedly marked similarities” in how the diverse group behave in the workplace, the study revealed women are: ● Discouraged by competitive or ambitious behaviour and would rather earn recognition through consistency, reliability and competence ● Cautious and risk-averse around career and finance, which could be contributing to the gender pay gap ● Strong in relationship building, emotional intelligence, empathy, influencing and team building ● Driven to contribute to team success and prioritise collaboration over personal advancement.
To attract and retain women, The Circle Partnership’s researchers said businesses should reconsider how women are managed, developed and rewarded. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, said: “It’s not news to say that the built environment has a problem when it comes to gender balance – particularly at senior leadership levels. What we have struggled to truly understand is, why. “A focus to date on the policies and procedures that impact on diversity has ignored a critical piece of the puzzle: that of culture and behaviour. The insight gained from this study suggests that the industry still doesn’t seem to fully understand how to make the most of women’s talents and potential. “And it also raises bigger questions about our macro workplace culture; is it time to begin truly re-examining the environment that favours traditionally masculine traits of extroversion, competition and leading from the front rather than expecting others to adapt to fit?”
70% The percentage of UK construction managers who have experienced major weather-related delays to projects in the last 12 months. Source: Aggreko
5,000 The number of young
people in 2024 that started an apprenticeship at level four or above , compared with half a million who entered full-time university
programmes. Source: UCAS
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