Breaking Barriers: How Sexism and Work Conditions Impact Women's Wellbeing in Construction

A study by Rotimi et al. (2024) found that sexism and unfavorable job conditions significantly impact the mental and physical well-being of women in New Zealand’s construction industry. The research highlights the critical role of work morale in shaping these outcomes, revealing that hostile sexism is the most damaging factor.

The construction industry remains one of the most male-dominated sectors, with women making up only 17.18% of the workforce in New Zealand. Women in this sector face deep-rooted biases, harsh working conditions, and limited career growth opportunities, all of which take a toll on their mental and physical health. Sexism can manifest in different ways including:

1. Benevolent sexism: Restricts women’s roles by portraying them as weak or needing protection.

2. Hostile sexism: Actively discriminates against women who challenge gender norms.

3. Unfavorable job conditions: Long hours, unsafe environments, and a lack of support systems contribute to burnout and stress.

These challenges lead to low work morale, which in turn reduces job satisfaction, mental health, and overall well-being.

The Main Concerns identified in the study

1. Sexism (both benevolent & hostile) significantly lowers work morale.

2. Hostile sexism is the biggest contributor to poor mental and physical health.

3. Unfavorable work conditions create additional stress but do not directly impact morale.

4. Low work morale is a key predictor of declining mental health in female construction workers.

Proposed Solutions

The study suggests urgent industry-wide changes to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, including:

1. Anti-sexism and workplace diversity training to address both subtle and overt discrimination.

2. Flexible work policies and better safety measures to improve job conditions.

3. Female mentorship and leadership programs to empower women in construction.

4. Stronger policies against workplace harassment to ensure a safer, more respectful work culture.

5. Prioritizing work morale initiatives to boost well-being and retention.

By addressing these systemic issues through adequate psychosocial risk management strategies, the construction industry can attract, retain, and support women in the workforce, leading to a healthier and more diverse industry.

Reference

Rotimi, F. E., Brauner, M., Burfoot, M., Naismith, N., Silva, C. W. C., & Mohaghegh, M. (2024). Work environment challenge and the wellbeing of women in the construction industry in New Zealand – The mediating role of work morale. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(11), 4417-4438. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2023-0152