The Queensland Women in Surveying Forum aims to create a more supportive, diverse and inclusive industry.
By Jemma Picco
In Queensland, only 3% of registrants with the Surveyors Board of Queensland are female. While registrants are predominantly surveyors working in cadastral surveying, this figure is estimated to be a representation of the broader surveying industry. Yet research shows that diversity and inclusion improves creativity, productivity and profits, so diversity is a good thing.
As different people cope and respond to challenges and opportunities in various ways, connecting with similar people can create a safe space to allow people to wholeheartedly be themselves and be heard.
That’s why just over 12 months ago the Queensland Women in Surveying Forum was established as an environment where women can share experiences, and support, encourage and inspire one another. The Forum currently has 42 members and is growing, with five meetings having been held since its inception.
For many women in surveying, the Forum is an opportunity to be supported, understood and validated in a non-judgemental way. While the Forum is only in its infancy, women are already benefitting from it and we are excited to progress it.
With a critical shortage of surveyors, we want to encourage everyone to join and remain within our industry. There are many common barriers that are relevant for women in male-dominated industries, including gender stereotypes, unconscious bias, lack of role models, workplace culture, and not having appropriate policies and processes that support women and diversity.
Women in our Forum cite similar barriers, including the lack of women in leadership roles, lack of flexible work arrangements, social norms and cultural practices, lack of support and mentoring, workplace discrimination and inequity, and safety when working in the field (especially alone). Do you have many women in your organisation? Have you considered whether these barriers exist in your workplace?
The lack of male awareness of the challenges facing women in surveying has also been raised. Many people are unaware of how, or if, unconscious bias may exist in themselves or their organisation. It is easy for directors and managers to act on instinct rather than examining the implications of decisions. Unconscious bias training can certainly raise awareness and help prevent this from happening.
There are many small ways organisations can create an inclusive and supportive culture. For example, ensuring uniforms and PPE are available in both men’s and women’s styles, as body shapes are different and clothes need to fit and be comfortable.
Also, ensuring clean amenities are available (at the workplace and on worksites) with running water, soap, bins and suitable menstrual disposal units.
These may seem like small things, but they are important to ensuring women feel comfortable and supported.
Gender is just one element of diversity. Creating an inclusive work environment is about making every person feel accepted and respected regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age or sexual orientation.
Flexible work arrangements are another key element to an inclusive work environment. Flexible work comes in many forms whether it be part-time, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours (more hours over fewer days), working from home, rostered days off, time off in lieu etc.
Flexible work arrangements are of benefit to all employees, not just women. Does your workplace encourage flexible work arrangements? Does your workplace encourage open communication and look for solutions that may suit both the individual and the business needs?
The Queensland Women in Surveying Forum has been discussing many of these topics and how we can create a more supportive, diverse and inclusive industry. Diversity brings different thought processes, creates innovation, improves decision making, attracts and retains talent, improves productivity and increases the bottom line.
Diversity is good for the workplace and leadership plays an important role in communication, inclusion and cultural change.
Jemma Picco is Chair of the Queensland Women in Surveying Forum. If you’d like to learn more about the Forum, contact Jemma Picco on LinkedIn or via email at jemma.picco@resources.qld.gov.au.
