Higgins Group has announced the appointment of its first female director, Karen Kendall, on International Women’s Day.
Karen has been with Higgins for over 18 years as Head of Payroll and HR.
She said: “I have seen a real change in the perception of women working in the construction industry since I joined Higgins in 2003.
“At that time, it was considered that if you wanted to work in the construction sector, office-based roles such as secretaries, admin and HR were the more suitable areas for women.
“In recent years we have seen a real shift and a drive for change as women are actively supported and encouraged into the sector.
“There are no longer any barriers, and as a company we are actively promoting careers in schools to encourage girls to change their perception and see the opportunities available to them. We now see women on site as trades or site managers which are both brilliant careers.
“Having a more diverse and inclusive workplace means a much healthier and creative work environment which promotes respect and a different way of thinking which can be a huge advantage. Men and women bring different things to the table which can only be a good thing.”
Higgins said that promoting and supporting diversity and equality is an important aspect of creating a welcoming, inclusive place to work.
The company looks to value all employees as individuals and understands the importance of enabling an environment where everyone feels able to engage and achieve their potential.
Karen continues: “Through schemes such as our Management Trainee Programme we have seen the growth of women through the company and seeing women in more senior roles will definitely be a driver to encourage our future workforce.”
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Image: Karen Kendall
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