Description
While the construction industry prides itself on being family oriented, it doesn't do as good a job of celebrating the realities of being a working mom. Challenges that mothers in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) face every day include finding daycare that works with construction hours, balancing the emotional load of working the long days a project requires, having difficult conversations with employers for much-needed flexibility, and striking a balance between career ambitions and the pull of motherhood. Even more difficult is the fifth trimester—those first three months back at work after maternity leave ends—when new moms navigate their return to a male-dominated environment, and struggle to find resources such as a safe and sanitary place to pump and community to commiserate with. How can managers and industry leaders make it easier for mothers who need flexibility, empathy, and support? And how can they create a more inclusive environment, and continue to maximize the strength of women who chose construction as a career?
Key Learnings
- Discover how leaders can help build policies and guidelines to help attract moms and those returning to the workforce.
- Get tips for balancing work with motherhood, including how to build a support network and handle the "sick call" from school.
- Get ideas for how to advocate for change at companies and on an industry level.
- Get empowered by knowing that if you are a working mom, you share similar experiences with other working moms in AEC.