Retaining mums is a top priority but also a big challenge.
More women than men have left construction careers over the past year, according official figures and the proportion of women in construction careers has steadily declined. Resulting in an overall downward trend in the number of people employed in the sector, as recorded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Data from engineering UK also shows small but worrying spike in women aged 35 to 44 leaving engineering.
When we factor in the average age of starting a family (30.9 years) it’s very likely that many women leaving these industries are mums.
There are 32% fewer women in leadership roles after starting a family (Careers After Babies, 2023) and the WHO suggest that the motherhood penalty makes up 80% of the gender pay gap.
Mums in traditionally male dominated industries face a very specific set of challenges which can leave them feeling very isolated.
77% of mums report experiencing a negative or possibly discriminatory experience during pregnancy, maternity leave and/or on return from maternity leave. Many mums report feeling they need to work twice as hard to prove their competency and commitment, which can result in burnout.
INSIDE Leadership focuses on the transition to working motherhood and into leadership.
Matrescence - becoming a mother - impacts every aspect of our identity including how we show up at work. Bringing with it some incredible leadership benefits but also a whole new set of challenges to overcome.
The accessible online workshop sessions to equip aspiring leaders with the tools and confidence to lead their teams and to influence and inspire others. Creating a safe space learn tried and tested techniques to overcome the unique challenges and bias faced by mums in leadership.
The programme also addresses the extra shift and provides the tools and tactics needed to balance work, family and create space for ourselves.
Research shows the benefits of having a safe environment for women to explore their potential, share successes and failures, and receive feedback, mentoring and coaching. Being amongst a group of welcoming peers from outside your organisation can provide a strong support network, new perspectives, best practice examples and plenty of encouragement.
That's why the programme includes both group and 1:1 coaching.
Traditional learning environments can be hard to access - especially if you are the default parent.
So INSIDE leadership is all online and scheduled with school friendly session times, in term time only, with no lengthy assignments to complete!
With the right support mums can thrive in leadership roles and no-one is a bigger advocate than a working parent who is well supported by their employer. In fact a 2020 study found that employers who provided better support for working parents had employees who were more loyal, productive and positive.
Demonstrate your commitment to employee engagement - and working mums - by investing in their development.
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