Simon Forrester, Regional Health & Safety advisor Ibstock Brick, has worked in a predominantly male environment for decades, and so he’s seen the shift in the modern workplace with his own eyes. Today, he shares his thoughts on what can be done to bridge the diversity gap.
I have worked for Ibstock brick since 1981. During this time I have held various job roles in production & management. I am married with two children and I have two grandchildren.
It’s important to me as I feel we need to bring the industry I have worked for into the 20th century and if we keep on doing what we have done in the past we will never move forward.
When you are more diverse you have lots of new thoughts and ideas which will only benefit the company.
The main challenge we face are peoples comments in the construction industry is ‘that’s a man’s job’.
We should improve the welfare facilities for female members of the teams in the factories. We should encourage more female to apply for factory roles by promoting the sector as a fantastic career.
By talking to various people at all levels of the business that we need to be more diverse so we ensure that we always get the best candidate for the role and gender does not come into it.
In a calm manner and always there to listen.
In my industry there has been for a number of years a lack of females in the factories. But I will always remember a female teacher who said to me one day – ‘never give up and always be prepared to teach someone as someone took the time to teach you’.
