The NSW Government has released results from its annual Women in Construction survey, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to promote gender diversity across the sector.

With over 1000 responses from NSW construction workers and businesses, the survey revealed a positive trend: the number of women entering the industry has risen by 12.5% in the past year, and of the businesses surveyed women now make-up 20% of the construction workforce. 

Key challenges identified by both men and women, include a lack of work-life balance (62%), lack of flexible working hours (51%), and insufficient mentoring and leadership training (47%).

The survey also showed that achieving work-life balance and flexible work options are critical for staff retention, with 40% of workers considering leaving jobs due to difficulties balancing their work and personal responsibilities. 

Some concerning statistics were highlighted, with 69% of women reporting some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, and 33% experiencing workplace sexual harassment.

The NSW Government is committed to creating safer and more respectful workplaces, and the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work strategy continues to drive efforts to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace through education and enforcement.

To address these issues, the NSW Government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors introduce flexible workplace policies and encourage development of mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry. 

Through the Culture in Construction Taskforce, several major infrastructure projects including Transport for NSW, Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and Health Infrastructure NSW, Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment are piloting the Culture Standard which includes capped working hours and a five-day week. Initial findings of the piloted projects suggest improvements to recruitment and retention of women in construction.

In addition, the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program works with industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace and supportive policies, making construction a more appealing career choice for women. 

Earlier this year, the government announced $2.2 million in funding to support initiatives to attract and retain women in construction and build more inclusive cultures.

The survey findings will guide the future direction of the government’s Women in Construction program, addressing entrenched issues and ensuring continued progress toward increasing women’s participation in the industry. 

To find out more about the Women in Construction program, and see the full survey results visit:  Women in Construction | NSW Government.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said, “The NSW Government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception.” 

“This is an important step in helping all our workers feel respected and valued, listening to what women are calling out for, and showing our commitment to equitable workplaces.

“Government can and should leverage its procurement power to increase women’s participation, and Transport for NSW is implementing this across its projects.

“The workforce delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 enabling works will be supported by wellbeing initiatives from the Culture in Construction Taskforce’s Culture Standard, which include a target for 40% female staff participation during project enabling works, flexible working hours and on-site mental health first aiders.

“It also includes a move to a five-day working week on the construction site, a reduction from the six-day working week that’s a frequent barrier to women entering the industry.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said, “We are committed to increasing women's participation in the construction industry – this is essential for building a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this report shows that targeted programs, like Women in Construction, can produce positive results. This report and the feedback I hear generally tells me that we still have a long way to go, across industry, in providing a workplace culture that encourages women to participate. Government is doing good work with industry, particularly large employers, but the change needs to happen in every workplace.

“Let’s continue working together for a stronger, more inclusive construction industry—one where gender equity and progressing women’s careers is at the forefront of progress.” 

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, “The future of our trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers. It’s important that we're creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.

“The insights gathered from the annual Women in Construction Industry Survey will guide the future direction of our programs, ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women in the sector.

“We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive.”