Empowering women in construction at a cultural level
Introduction
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council, a not-for-profit organization committed to embedding sustainable practices within the infrastructure sector, recognized the critical lack of women in the construction industry and the pressing need for enhanced workforce sustainability. They funded the Women in Construction grant and engaged our team to develop an eLearning module aimed at educating ISC members on the key aspects of workforce sustainability: wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and time for life.
Objectives
The construction industry faces significant challenges in terms of diversity and workforce sustainability:
Underrepresentation of Women: Women are significantly underrepresented in construction, from on-site roles to executive positions.
Workforce Sustainability Issues: Key issues include lack of wellbeing initiatives, diversity, and work-life balance.
Target Audience
Diverse Audience: The training needed to address a broad audience, from site workers to senior management, each with different perspectives and learning needs.
Solutions
We provided a consultancy engagement bespoke to the unique needs of the project leveraging the full complement of our teams skills to design an impactful solution.
Content Development with SMEs
Expert Engagement: Collaborated with subject matter experts from large organizations within the ISC network to map out primary issues related to the three pillars of workforce sustainability.
Content Tailoring: Developed content that resonates across all levels of personnel within the construction industry.
eLearning Module Design
Interactive eLearning: Utilized Articulate Storyline to create an engaging and interactive eLearning module.
Integrated Learning Tools: Incorporated compelling statistics, realistic case studies, and reflective questions to enhance learning and engagement.
Video Testimonials: Included video interviews with a head of diversity and inclusion, an infrastructure sustainability expert, and a woman working on a construction site to provide real-world insights and experiences.
Delivery and Implementation
Broad Accessibility: Ensured the module was accessible to all ISC members across various devices and platforms, facilitating ease of access whether in the office or on-site.
Feedback Mechanisms: Integrated feedback tools within the module to gather user insights and gauge effectiveness.
Outcomes
The eLearning module achieved significant impacts:
Increased Awareness: Heightened awareness of the importance of wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion in the construction industry.
Cultural Shift: Contributed to a cultural shift within ISC member organizations towards more sustainable workforce practices.
Engagement and Participation: High levels of engagement from participants, demonstrated by positive feedback and proactive participation in follow-up discussions and workshops.
Policy Influence: Influenced policies within member organizations, leading to the implementation of more robust diversity and inclusion strategies.
Conclusion
The Women in Construction eLearning module for ISC exemplifies how targeted educational interventions can address critical industry challenges and foster a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. By leveraging expert insights and interactive learning technologies, the project not only educated but also inspired action across the construction industry, paving the way for significant long-term improvements in workforce sustainability. This case study demonstrates the power of collaborative educational initiatives in driving systemic change and industry-wide benefits.
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