What do women want? An exploration of workplace attraction and retention factors for women in construction

Abstract

Increasing skill shortages in the construction industry are a concern worldwide. The industry is seeking to find effective ways to encourage more women to pursue careers in construction. This study explores the factors that attract and retain women, comparing them based on age (under 35 years, 35–44 years and 45 plus years) and role levels (managers, professionals and nonmanagers). A total of 655 responses were collected through a nationwide survey of women in construction in Australia. The findings suggest that to attract women, career opportunities must be emphasized; and that career advising, attractive salary/wages and training must be highlighted to attract young female talent. Further, working conditions are important factors considered by managerial and professional women when leaving the industry, particularly younger women. Organizational leaders and decision-makers seeking to recruit more women into construction may improve the effectiveness of their recruitment and retention initiatives by tailoring them to role level and age.