Diversity of human resources is being explored by the construction industry. Several groups of construction contractors and consultants have started discussion on creating favorable working conditions and systems for women, while some companies encourage female employees to network each other. The labor shortage is such a big issue that giving women opportunities is what the industry has to achieve.
Japan Federation of Construction Contractors (JFCC) will organize a group in December to study measures toward effective use of female technicians. Discussing issues such as women’s income level, working conditions, business fields suitable for women, it will compile a report in February in 2014, which is to be incorporated in the operation plan of JFCC for next year.
Organizations for consultants including the Japan Civil engineering Consultants Association (JCCA) and the Association of Japanese Consulting Engineers (AJCE) have already started their actions. Kanto region office of JCCA formed a working group of nine female consultants, which addresses the issues by sending out questionnaires to women in JCCA and holding networking seminars. According to the questionnaires collected, the women think that the support systems for women who juggle a job and a family life is not well developed and that some companies still back off from hiring women over men because of higher possibility of quitting their job.
A meeting was held by AJCE on November 15 to exchange ideas among 18 female consultants. Three of them in managing positions talked about their careers and experiences and then the whole group discussed how favorable working environment and work-life balance can be achieved.
The two bodies will keep focusing on the issue through creating the network and holding meetings and seminars. There is an increase in number of companies that hire more female engineers than before and that creates opportunities for female employee to network. How this trend will spread in the industry needs to be watched carefully. (2013/11/25)
