Fair Workplaces: Why Gender Parity Leads to Greater Productivity

Gender stereotypes have no place in today’s workplace. It is time for us to move away from the mindset of assigning roles based on gender. Instead, workplaces should prioritise abilities and skillsets above whether the person is male or female.

Any workplace that focuses solely on one demographic will hinder its own growth.

Diversity is the key to a successful industry as it allows for a greater range of skillsets, perspectives, and talent from a much larger pool. Recognising and embracing the benefits of diversity in the workplace allows individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. We need to foster a culture where everyone's voices are heard, where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into decision-making processes.

Overcoming gender bias in the construction industry, or any other industry, requires awareness and a commitment to promoting a fair environment. Studies have consistently shown that a fair environment leads to greater productivity.

Fairness should never be a topic of discussion or debate. A fair and equitable workplace should be a given. Fairness for everyone should be non-negotiable in any industry. It is only through a foundation of fairness that a strong, sustainable, and productive industry can thrive.

While there has been progress, biases still exist in the construction sector and region. There is still room for improvement. Design and construction are two sides of the same coin. While the design field is becoming more balanced, the construction site remains heavily male-dominated.

Challenges arising from biases often stem from outdated perceptions and stereotypes. These biases can negatively impact recruitment and retention, causing us to lose out on talented professionals if we do not give them the recognition and credit they deserve.

By not challenging biases, we allow them to persist.

The only barriers that truly exist are the mental barriers within both men and women. Overcoming these barriers requires action from both sides. Both men and women need to recognise this. Women often hesitate because they do not see enough representation, while men hesitate because it goes against the norm.

We must rise above these mental barriers that hold us back from fully embracing a diverse workplace. Logistics and other facilities can only emerge when there is a definitive acceptance of a diverse workplace.