Framework to Enhance Gender Inclusion of Workers in Construction Sites

Abstract

Workers' shortages and poor performance are perennial problems in the construction industry. Literature suggests that increasing workforce diversity and inclusion is one of the solutions to counter such problems. As the construction industry is a labour-intensive industry dominated by one particular gender, enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion is imperative. Therefore, this study explores various strategies for fostering gender inclusion in the construction industry. Initially, 29 gender inclusion attributes were identified for construction workers through a literature review. The opinions on the impact of these attributes on the gender inclusion of female and transgender workers were collected from 76 and 30 respondents, respectively, through a questionnaire survey. Using descriptive statistics, the essential, desirable, and optional attributes were established from the identified attributes for female and transgender workers. The essential attributes included workplace safety and scope for progress for female workers; diversity training and anti-discrimination policies for transgender workers; and inclusion at the top management level and commitment from top management for both groups of workers. The findings will provide practitioners and human resource professionals with a framework to formulate strategies to enhance the inclusion of workers on construction sites.