Building an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplace

Despite its prominence, the construction industry faces a skills shortage and remains Australia’s most male dominated sector with women’s participation tracking backwards in the last decade. While research has focused on gender equity in the Australian construction industry, there is little understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ workers in the sector.

This report from the Australian Human Rights Institute at UNSW, Sydney summarises key findings from a recent study by Dr Natalie Galea and Dr Melissa Jardine on the experiences of LGBTQ+ workers in the Australian construction sector and the effectiveness of existing diversity and inclusion strategies - a focus of inquiry necessary to improve workplace inclusivity and diversity. It includes links to industry prepared materials to support organisations seeking to become more LGBTQ+ inclusive

The research was conducted during 2020 and comprised an international literature review and 60-90 minute interviews with 23 LGBTQ+ construction employees.

Participants ranged from tradespeople to senior executives of multinational companies from across Australia and represented a mix of ages, gender identities and sexual orientations.