Improving gender diversity through early careers
Women working in construction can face barriers related to career progression, workplace culture and inclusion. Creating safe spaces where these experiences can be shared openly is an important step in addressing those challenges.
In 2025, our Gender Affinity network introduced Gender Circles to support open discussion and strengthen feedback between employees and the business. Designed as local groups across offices and project sites, the circles enable women to connect, collaborate, share insights and raise issues affecting women in the workplace.
Launched on International Women in Engineering Day, the initiative quickly expanded to 24 Gender Circles across 10 offices and 14 sites, engaging more than 230 employees.
Discussions explored themes including career development, flexible working, workplace culture and psychological safety, with career development identified as a key area.
A second round of circles – which were held during National Inclusion Week – generated practical ideas now being embedded into 2026 network plans, helping to turn insight into action.
24
Gender Circles delivered
230+
participants engaged
