Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1189280
UPCOMING EVENTS 110TH ANNIVERSARY HOLIDAY GALA DEC. 4 | 6–9 p.m. Emerald City Trapeze Arts, Seattle One spectacular night for celebrating the holidays with fellow members SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH | 4–6 p.m. Networking Happy Hour Bonefish Grill, Bothell PWB LUNCH FEB. 11 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MBAKS Bellevue BY LEANN MCNABB 2019 PWB COUNCIL CHAIR CW TITLE AND ESCROW Help create a space for women in the building industry at mbaks.com/pwb I t's clear that a key driver of the lack of diversity in the construction industry is a shortage of women In fact, as of January 2019, women still comprise only 9 1% of the U S construction workforce according to the National Association of Women in Construction We have made progress as an industry toward workplace equality, but there is still much work to be done To bring more qualified women into construction, we need to proactively make the workplace more welcoming to women That means addressing the two major contributors most responsible for driving women out of the field: sexism and harassment Harassment creates a stressful, anxious, and embarrassing work environment for women It's vital to take harassment seriously and implement processes to combat it to retain a healthy, diverse workforce Here are a few suggestions: • Set an example for workplace culture at the top Everyone should receive training from executives and managers to rank-and-file staff and customer-facing employees • Instead of focusing on what not to do, conduct workplace civility training to promote respect and civility in the workplace • Ensure that your anti- harassment policy provides specific instructions on how to report harassment, and make sure you communicate it to employees regularly • Make sure employees have multiple points of contact for reporting harassing behavior • Hold managers accountable for how well they respond to harassment with concrete metrics and performance reviews Beyond harassment issues, women need to feel trusted and empowered to do the same jobs men do Segregating sexes into roles the industry traditionally deemed "fit" will push out able and willing women with the skills to do the job best Create an environment that sets equal opportunities for all, no matter their gender Small but concrete steps like these will help provide a safe and stable work environment where women can thrive An industry that welcomes skilled women and younger employees will be a stronger, more sustainable one in the long run—so let's open the doors Diversity Begins With Workplace Culture 48 master builder WINTER 2019 words from the chair