The current situation: Women in the construction industry in numbers
The statistics paint a clear picture: The construction industry is a male domain. According to an analysis by the Central Association of the German Construction Industry, the percentage of women in the entire construction sector is only 14%. In the main construction industry, meaning directly on the construction site, this value drops to 11%.
The situation is even more drastic in the skilled trades, where only 1.9% of employees are female. There are also significant differences in salaries: Highly qualified women earn on average 14-17% less than their male colleagues. Only in planning and studies does a more positive picture emerge, with a female share of 27% and 30% respectively. These figures highlight the urgent need for action to combat the shortage of skilled workers in construction . The change begins with the realization that nearly 50% of the talent pool is being overlooked.
Traditional barriers and new opportunities for women in construction
The reasons for the low percentage of women are deeply rooted and trace back to a legal employment ban for women in the main construction industry, which was only lifted in 1994. To this day, persistent prejudices suggest that women are not suited for physically demanding work. However, the requirements profile has long changed due to technology and new materials.
The lack of female role models in leadership positions further complicates entry into the field. But there are positive developments: The number of female master craftsmen in civil engineering and structural engineering has more than doubled between 2013 and 2024. This development shows that a rethink is taking place and that diversity in construction is slowly increasing. Companies must actively break these outdated structures to remain future-proof.
Economic advantages of mixed teams in construction
The promotion of women is much more than a social measure – it is a tangible competitive advantage. Studies show that gender-diverse teams are more creative and economically successful. They contribute different perspectives, which can increase problem-solving skills by up to 20%.
Companies with a balanced workforce also appear much more attractive and modern to applicants. Given the potential shortage of up to 100,000 skilled workers by 2030, it is a strategic necessity to tap into the potential of women. The benefits for your company are manifold:
- Better problem solving: Different ways of thinking lead to more innovative and robust solutions.
- Greater talent pool: You potentially double the selection of qualified applicants.
- Increased productivity: Improved team dynamics and communication enhance efficiency on the construction site.
- Stronger employer branding: A modern image helps attract the best talent for the future of the construction industry .
These benefits are not theoretical concepts, but measurable success factors for every construction company.
Targeted measures to promote women in your company
To attract more women to your construction company and retain them long-term, concrete and thoughtful steps are required. It’s not enough to just wait for applications; you must actively create an environment where women feel welcome and valued. A top-down approach, where leadership embodies the change, is crucial.
Here are 5 proven measures that you can implement immediately:
- Offer flexible working models: Examine where part-time, job sharing, or home office days are possible to improve the work-life balance for everyone.
- Establish mentoring programs: Pair experienced female mentors with junior female employees to facilitate entry and showcase career paths.
- Ensure fair and transparent salaries: Eliminate the gender pay gap with a clear salary structure based solely on qualifications and performance.
- Provide appropriate workwear: Often, it’s small things that make a big difference – like well-fitting and functional workwear for women.
- Clear zero-tolerance policy: Actively combat all forms of sexism and discrimination, training your leaders accordingly.
These measures help not only to attract women, but also to integrate career changers in construction. Digitalization as a bridge builder for more women in construction
Digitalisierung als Brückenbauer für mehr Frauen am Bau
Digitalization fundamentally changes the construction site and dismantles old barriers. Modern tools shift the focus from pure physical strength to technical know-how and organizational skills. This presents a tremendous opportunity to appeal to more women in construction. Digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) reduce physical hurdles and make the industry more attractive.
Platforms like Valoon play a central role in this. When all construction documentation, communication, and defect tracking are simply conducted via WhatsApp, a large part of the tedious paperwork is eliminated. Instead of countless calls and paperwork, all information is automatically and legally securely stored in the digital construction log. This saves up to 60 minutes per site manager daily and makes the job more efficient and less stressful. Such simplifications of processes are among the most important trends in the construction industry. Valoon makes the construction site easier for everyone – and thus more attractive for women.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
Actively promoting women in the construction industry is not a trend, but a strategic decision for the future of your company. You secure access to a vast pool of skilled workers and also increase your innovation and productivity. With only 1.9% of women in skilled trades, there is enormous, untapped potential.
Valoon supports you in this transformation. Our platform simplifies communication and documentation so radically that your teams work more efficiently and stress-free. We make construction digital, straightforward, and legally compliant. This creates a modern working environment that is attractive to the best skilled workers – both women and men. Book your free demo now and see how Valoon increases efficiency on your construction site by up to 25%.
More Links
Der Central Association of the German Construction Industry provides a publication on the topic of women in construction.
Das Federal Statistical Office provides information on women’s participation in various professions.
Die Federal Employment Agency publishes a report on the labor market situation in the construction sector.
Der Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) provides key figures on the topic of women in crafts.
Der ZDH offers further information on the topic of women in crafts in the field of social security.
Statista displays statistics on the percentage of women among trainees in crafts since 1992.
Der Central Association of the German Construction Industry informs about its women’s network in construction.
Wikipedia provides an article on the topic of women in medieval construction.
Das Federal Statistical Office offers information about women’s participation in working life.
FAQ
Is working in construction not too difficult for women?
This prejudice is outdated. Modern technology such as cranes, exoskeletons, and digital tools has reduced physical strain in many areas. Today, technical understanding, organizational talent, and teamwork are often more important than pure muscle power.
Does Valoon offer special features that support women in construction?
Valoon is designed for everyone on the construction site to make work easier. Through simple communication via WhatsApp and automatic, legally secure documentation, we relieve all skilled workers of time-consuming paperwork. This creates a more efficient and stress-free working environment, appreciated by all and making the industry overall more attractive.
Do women in the construction industry really earn less?
Yes, unfortunately there is also a gender pay gap in construction. According to statistics, highly qualified women at expert or specialist level earn about 14-17% less than their male colleagues. Transparent salary structures are an important step to close this gap.
My company is small. Are measures to promote women still worthwhile?
Absolutely. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, every single skilled worker is crucial. By creating an attractive environment for women, you significantly expand your applicant pool and ensure qualified female employees who might otherwise go to competitors. Often, even small adjustments can have a large impact.
Where can I find female role models in the construction industry?
There are more and more networks and initiatives that make women in construction visible. Organizations like ‘Women in Construction Network’ or ‘Women in Real Estate e.V.’ provide platforms for networking and exchange. Increasingly, female engineers, architects, and craftsmen are sharing their daily experiences in trade media and on social media channels.
How do I start making my company more attractive to women?
Start by surveying your female and male employees. Find out where the specific hurdles lie in your company. Review your job postings for inclusive language and demonstrate on your website and social media that women in your team are welcome and valued.
