If you earned promotion to a managerial role, you might be wondering whether you did the right thing if you suddenly find yourself stuck behind a desk all day, surrounded by paperwork. Female construction workers may face more obstacles than their male counterparts and must learn how to cope in a male-dominated environment.



Whatever your circumstances, there are measures you can take to make your working life much more enjoyable.

How to motivate yourself at your office desk

If you have spent most of your construction career working outdoors and with your hands, it might come as something of a culture shock to find yourself sitting behind a desk for most, if not all, of the day. Don't worry - there are several things you can do to make your working environment much more pleasant.

- Be ruthless with your desk and its contents - if you do not need objects and spare bits of paper on it, throw it away.

- Keep pictures of places, family, and friends on your desk to provide you with some relief from the pressures that working in a construction desk job can give.

- Legally you must take two 10-minute breaks in a day and a lunch break. Re-vitalise yourself by getting up and leaving the office.

- Plants have been known to encourage well-being at work, so having an indoor plant sitting on your desk can help relieve stress.

- Have a quick chat with workmates from time to time to help take your mind off any stress and pressure.

Coping in the male-dominated construction industry

You have been employed because you are able to do the job, and not because of your gender, so be yourself and remain confident of your ability to do so at all times. Stamp out any stereotypical attitude straight away and make it clear to your supervisor that you will not stand for being treated as a second-class employee.

Get involved in activities outside work to break down any barriers there may be. Getting to know people you work with informally will make you feel more relaxed around the people you spend your working day with.

Work hard and prove your ability. The men you work with may never have worked alongside a woman before, but they will respect you if you prove yourself every bit as able as them.

Construction careers for women are becoming more common, but the industry remains largely male-dominated. Be yourself, work to the best of your ability and never change for anyone.