Why Women Aren’t Building Your House

As we look back on last month’s Women’s History Month, it seems appropriate to reflect on a bygone time when women made up just 15% of the workforce in property and construction. I remember it like it was yesterday.?Or 4 weeks ago…as that figure is sadly drawn from a UK government research briefing, ‘Women and the UK Economy’, released on 4th March 2022.

So, why is this figure so low? At a time where the construction industry is facing a mammoth skills shortage, an expected exodus of retirement age builders, and an unprecedented demand for housing, surely the conditions are ripe for modernisation in the workforce?

Well, who better to ask than the 15%? Specifically, three women (plus me!) who have had notable success within the industry and prove that the dearth of women in housebuilding is certainly not down to a lack of hard work or passion.

Kath Moore, Rutu Buddhdev and Sophie Smith each with their own story of determination and resilience, having risen to positions of considerable influence in their respective organisations - though we all hope the future holds fewer tales of women new to the sector have to overcome such barriers to success.

The four of us recently sat down to discuss our professional journeys and views on the current state of the industry for women, as part of a very timely episode of the Close Brothers and Show House Magazine’s “Housebuilders Podcast” on Women In Property. Here is a rundown of the top four takeaways.

1.?????A lack of female role models contributes to a vicious cycle

Sophie Smith, of Spitfire Homes, a developer based in Manchester, already had an idea of what the world of property entailed having grown up with an estate agent father. However, she is aware of the need for more female role models to inspire the next generation of female housebuilders.

“If people are seeing that there are female leads in those roles already, they would probably feel more comfortable in applying for them”, said Smith. “Seeing other females progressing up to board level and directorships will hopefully give people that support moving forward”.

Rutu Buddhdev founded her own business, Amara Property, in 2012, and has a blunt answer when asked if she had any female role models in the construction industry “No, because I didn’t know any women developers”. Only by promoting and amplifying female voices can this cycle be broken.

2.?????Diverse companies are always more profitable

Frequently, studies show that businesses which are more diverse are more profitable. In fact, a recent report from McKinsey & Co highlighted that the most gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above average profitability. Buddhdev believes companies are becoming savvy to this - “Businesses are noticing now that having a more diverse team directly impacts their bottom line”.

This diversity must begin at boardroom level, my view is “You need that mix to get an even view of the business...your company culture is what brings people to the table”. Indeed, only by properly diversifying their workforce can a company hope to realise the financial benefits which stem from this.

3.?????A cultural shift is needed

Kath Moore MBE, founder of Women in Construction, contributed to the construction of the Olympic Park in the run up to the 2012 games, and did so alongside a number of other female builders. “It was great to see women in their high-vis’, in the canteens, just there with the guys”, Moore reminisces. However, she recognises that prejudices still exist around women in the construction industry. “I think we need to make a big change in our industry towards attitudes on site. So-called banter on site can be a little bit edgy”.

Some companies have shown a willingness to address these attitudes through diversity training and inclusivity initiatives, notes Moore, with a view to treating women and minorities with respect. By their ensuring that their company culture is inclusive and provides support to women, businesses will create the right environment for women to thrive professionally.

4.?????There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic

While men are paid 45% more than women in the construction industry, recent statistics from Ludlow Thompson show that women's wages have been increasing at double the rate of men's - 27% compared to 15% in the last five years. This rise, combined with training, and flexible/competitive work packages, can help companies attract the type of high calibre candidate who can help drive growth.

Many companies have also set themselves ambitious diversity targets to highlight their commitment to inclusivity. This is not simply lip service to equality, according to Moore. When asked if she feels targets and quotas encourage more female applicants, she replies “Yes, absolutely”.