Lauren Walker is managing director of Aluminium Fire Systems
The construction industry has seen a lot of change in the last couple of decades, whether its changing from manual to digital tools or letting go of unfair terms and conditions and finally giving subcontractors some authority. However, what the industry cant seem to shake is its sexist attitudes.
I still get men asking, Is there a man in charge I can speak to?
While there have been efforts in recent years to encourage female applicants and broaden skill sets, senior leaders still fail to challenge and mitigate the risks male workers pose when they dont treat colleagues equally and with respect. As a result, actions are repeated and victims are left in the dark or quit altogether.
Being one of the few female managing directors in my industry has, unfortunately, invited unwarranted and outrageous comments and behaviour. For example, in June I did a LinkedIn post discussing unfair contracts and received a comment from a business owner saying sort your eyebrows out girl they are shocking. Whether online or offline, women cant escape unnecessary comments that seek to undermine us.
When working in my office, I still get men asking, Is there a man in charge I can speak to? and then being surprised when they are in fact speaking to the person in charge. Negotiating contracts is stressful enough, but adding being a woman into the mix makes the process more tiresome.
Refuse to excuse
Despite climbing up the ranks and building a reputation as a reliable and dynamic leader, some men cant get past the fact that I am the person who makes the decisions. Some people like to pretend that gender doesnt matter or think its not a big deal, but it is, and for too long we have allowed women to face abuse alone.
In most industries, complaints trigger a formal process: HR involvement, documentation and a clear path to resolution. But in construction and trades, that structure is often missing. As a result, serious concerns can be overlooked, and responses lack the empathy and accountability they deserve.
A Unite survey shockingly revealed 31 per cent of women construction workers had been sexually assaulted at work and 54 per cent had been inappropriately touched. These figures are devastating, but sadly not surprising.
When inappropriate comments and outdated attitudes are tolerated, they create the conditions for assault and harassment to thrive. This industry needs to stop defending the indefensible and start listening, acting and protecting. We need leadership at every level that refuses to excuse or ignore this behaviour. That means real consequences for offenders, mandatory training, and safe ways for women to report incidents without fear.
Real solutions
Its time to stop sweeping this under the rug, and commit to creating environments where women feel respected, safe and valued.
This has started to happen when it comes to mental health in particular. The statistics in construction are horrifying, but thanks to social media and a greater emphasis on mental health in general, more people are speaking out and seeking help from peers and their company. The work has only just begun, though, and support could go a lot further to lift employees who are struggling.
With an industry desperately clinging to recruits and some companies at risk of insolvency, a unified approach is needed to implement real solutions that can translate across businesses in all sectors and put an end to sexist behaviour. Designated workshops, holistic benefits, stringent HR procedures, effective mental health support, increasing the number of female leadership positions they all play a part in reducing barriers and fostering a positive culture that recognises all employees and their contributions.
