ABC-SEMI Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2, 2021

Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2021 15 WOMEN WORKFORCE Rebuilding the WOMEN WORKFORCE and Rebuilding America Go Hand in Hand The workplace has been radically changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a critical gap that must be addressed during America’s comeback: the mass exodus of women from the American workforce. Five million women have lost or left their jobs in the past year. In December 2020 alone, the U.S. economy lost 140,000 jobs previously held by women. A recent study shows working women are experiencing the worst effects of the recession because, one, the industries they tend to work in are harder hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and two, the shutdown of schools and day care have made it harder for parents, women especially, to keep working. Even though the construction industry has already recovered three-quarters of the jobs lost during 2020, workforce shortages are a constant concern. The construction industry will require qualified talent to rebuild our economy and crumbling infrastructure. With vaccinations underway and increased optimism about the prospects for construction in 2021, there is no better time for women to consider construction as a long-term career choice. National construction employment was only 3% below its pre-pandemic peak in February 2020. Christine started out in the car business selling fleet vehicles. She married a plumber and left her job to help run the business. When he succumbed to cancer, she knew she had people depending on her and decided to keep the business open. “I knew I had to get my plumbers license to keep the business open, but I was up to the challenge. I am proud that we not only made it through a difficult time, but our company is growing and prospering.” “I have to admit I do get a little kick out of custom- ers calling and asking for the boss expecting it to be a man’s voice, but when I get talking, they have no doubt who is in charge.” I am proud to continue the legacy my father started of the excellent work our company performs for our clients. I had the benefit of being a known entity at Douglas Electric when I took over and had the full support I needed—it had its challenges, but being a woman was the least of my worries. CHRISTINE SCOTT Owner of Paul Scott Plumbing PAIGE LEVY President of Douglas Electric