Multiplex has adopted a new flexible working programme for its 825 UK staff in a bid to encourage more women into the industry
‘Multiplex Flex’ is designed to “shift the cultural dial of the construction industry” by addressing structurally related issues linked to gender equity alongside improving health and wellbeing and driving improved overall performance and productivity.
The contractor hopes more flexible working will help to attract and retain talent to support career progression and assist women into senior roles where the gender pay gap is highest.
A wide range of flexible working options will include flexitime, early Friday finishes, weekend time off in lieu, 9-day fortnight compressed hours working, teleworking and four-day weeks
The system has been trialed on sites in London and Glasgow with encouraging results.
Key findings from the three ‘Flex’ pilots were:
A significant improvement in the work life balance, helping to tackle construction’s long hour cultureA redistribution of care responsibilities within households as more men were able to support their partners with school runs, pickups, and evening choresLess stress and burnoutIncreased trust as more people working flexibly normalises flexible working practicesNo negative impact on project programme, productivity, or budgets, as well as improving Multiplex’s ability to meet client needs
Callum Tuckett, Managing Director of Multiplex’s Europe business, said: “It is well-documented that the construction industry is behind the curve in terms of creating opportunities for women, including pay equity and career progression.
“By enabling project directors to unlock formal and informal flexible ways of working and introducing more flexible options throughout the employee life cycle of recruitment, training and promotion, we are convinced we can create a working environment at Multiplex that is not only equitable and more diverse, but happy, healthy and productive.”
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