73% of Women in Construction Experience Bias on the Job, Says Latest STACK Report

STACK Construction Technologies released its State of Women in Construction 2026 Report, uncovering the current state of women’s roles in the industry by identifying the top friction points in a male-dominated field. Conducted with third-party research firm Censuswide, data reveals the obstacles plaguing women in construction such as bias and harassment, while also highlighting important opportunities for upskilling, mentorship and more.

Thirty-five percent of C-Suite male and female respondents believe construction will never be an ideal job for women to participate in, further promoting an archaic stereotype that should be addressed from the top down. That said, women continue to enter the industry, yet the ability to progress once in is at a standstill, with 60% of female respondents struggling to advance in the field.

Opportunity for career advancement will continue to play a critical role in retaining women in the field. Female respondents from blue to white collar positions stated the following has prevented them from advancing in their careers:

• A clearer career growth trajectory and advancement opportunities are missing for women (28%)
• Identifying issues of misrepresentation such as not enough women in leadership positions to receive adequate mentorship (33%)
• Feeling advancement opportunities are mostly shared in informal spaces women are excluded from (28%).

The construction industry is facing high demand for talent amidst labor shortage, infrastructure needs and skilled workers retiring. Yet the industry could be costing itself skilled talent due to persistent bias, with 73% of female respondents reporting experiencing bias on the job.

For the youngest female generations in the field, bias means:

• Colleagues assuming one is physically weaker – Gen Z: 32%; millennial: 38%
• Having a task one is qualified for “mansplained”– Gen Z: 45%; millennial: 27%
• Colleagues suggesting assistance when performing physical tasks – Gen Z: 23%; millennial: 28%
• Being forced to wear equipment that doesn’t properly fit– Gen Z: 32%; millennial: 28%.

Women respondents in senior positions are also facing bias, such as:

• Coworkers being more averse to suggestions versus male counterparts – 44% C-suites; 22% senior management
• Being perceived as “bossy” or “aggressive” by coworkers based on female gender – 41% C-suites; 30% senior management
• Colleagues assumed one was a “diversity hire” due to race – 30% C-Suites.

In addition, a startling 68% of male and female respondents have felt unsafe while at work, and the differences in where they’re feeling unsafe highlight a potential gender safety divide in the industry.
Further, a delay in tech adoption is causing harm to those who work in construction. As a direct result of the construction industry’s delay in adopting new technology, more than 1 in 10 (12%) of male and female respondents have been injured on the job, not spotting potential hazards/safety concerns ahead of time. This proves how critical implementing proper tools that support business goals and make people feel safe in a work environment.

Additional findings can be found in the State of Women in Construction 2026 Report.