New data has revealed key areas for the UK construction materials sector to improve as the sector looks to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the future.
The survey reported several structural and cultural factors that have created challenges for women in the workplace. This includes the lack of knowledge and visibility of senior roles and grading (46 per cent), followed by career progression (37.4 per cent) and work–life balance (35.9 per cent). Meanwhile, the survey showed 38.5 per cent of women would not apply for a senior role unless they met every criterion.
“The future of our industry depends on attracting and retaining a wider range of talent than ever before. These insights show a workforce full of capability, ambition, and experience, and they help us understand how we can continue creating the conditions for women to thrive in construction,” Holcim UK chief executive officer Lee Sleight said.
“When we listen to real experiences, we can design workplaces where everyone can progress. That’s not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for long-term resilience, safety, and performance across our operations.”
On the flipside, respondents said supportive colleagues (59.2 per cent) and an inclusive culture (45.1 per cent), support from senior leadership (30.6 per cent) are evident in the sector. According to the survey, 60.8 per cent of women report that they have not experienced or witnessed any gender bias or inequality at work, while 39.2 per cent said they have encountered or observed gender bias.
“The findings around confidence and progression really underline why role models matter. Visible female leaders don’t just inspire individuals; they help normalise diversity in operational and senior roles,” Holcim UK head of corporate marketing and aggregates senior marketing business partner Ioana Borangic said.
“When women can see someone like them shaping decisions or leading teams, it builds confidence and changes what feels possible. That cultural shift is essential if we want more women to step forward and stay.”
The findings come from Holcim UK, which surveyed more than 200 women across a range of roles. More than 40 per cent of respondents had more than 10 years of experience in the sector, with 28.9 per cent of respondents in operational roles and 71.1 per cent in support roles.
“For me, creating opportunity is about more than opening doors, it’s about making sure women feel supported once they walk through them. If we want more women in operational jobs, we must design roles, teams, and workplaces differently. That means listening, adapting, and challenging the way things have always been done,” Holcim UK land and natural resources director Jenny Lowe said.
“The survey was a way of giving women a voice and creating an honest space for feedback. It’s been encouraging to see where progress is happening, and equally important to understand where experiences are consistent across teams. This helps us focus our efforts in the right places.”
