New report highlights opportunities for women in construction as safety, lack of mentorship, and bias continue to block advancement in the industry.
MARCH 12, 2026 – CINCINATTI – STACK Construction Technologies, the leader in preconstruction software from takeoff to proposal today 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.
A Path for Advancement, in Spite of Today’s Stereotype
35% of C-Suite male and female respondents believe that 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. Thankfully, there is hope for change as:
- 30% of male and female respondents believe a change in the “boy’s club” culture that isolates women could encourage more to join the field
- 29% cited accommodations encouraging privacy and protecting against harassment (e.g., separate restrooms and properly fitting protective equipment) would help women
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 (3 in 10 (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%)
“As a woman in this industry, this data is alarming. It shows that culture change has to start from the top, as leadership perception shapes opportunity,” said Lindsay Powers, SVP of Marketing at STACK. “My advice to other women in the industry is make your work visible. Construction often rewards visibility, so be intentional about communicating your impact, not just the effort. When possible, document results and tie your work to revenue, margin and operational efficiency. Whether you’re on the job site or in the office, find ways to show your value.”
Kicking Gender Bias to the Curb is Pivotal for Growth
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
“I hope we move from talking about inclusion to measuring it,” said Viyas Sundaram, CEO at STACK. This should start with transparent promotion criteria, clearer career paths, and accountability for culture at every level. Job sites and offices should be designed with employees of all genders in mind, and acts of bias as identified in this survey should be addressed by leadership. We have a responsibility to ensure all employees feel safe in the workplace. Most importantly, we need to continue to normalize women in every role, from trades to executive leadership. When representation increases, opportunity follows.”
Combating Safety Issues in the Workplace
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. The following reported feeling the most unsafe at work:
- Having to work at notable heights and operating high-risk equipment – 33% of male respondents
- When receiving sexual comments and/or gestures from colleagues – 24% - and when not reporting harassment and/or safety concerns, out of a fear of losing a job – 20% - female respondents
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
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Censuswide. The total sample size was 501 construction workers in the US. Fieldwork was undertaken between February 13-17, 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of U.S. adults in the construction industry age 18+.
About STACK Construction Technologies
STACK Construction Technologies is a cloud-based preconstruction software platform advancing construction’s digital transformation. Founded to fill a gap in integrated, cloud-based preconstruction solutions, STACK pioneered an all-in- one, AI-accelerated takeoff and estimating platform for contractors to evaluate, bid and win more profitable projects. By connecting teams and keeping measurements, quantities and costs continuously in sync as drawings evolve, STACK is streamlining workflows, eliminating repetitive tasks and mitigating risk – all while strengthening contractor confidence and helping them to achieve more predictable profitability. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, STACK has over 100 employees and operates in the U.S. and Canada.
Media Contact:
Diffusion PR for STACK
