2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Diversity in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has long been a focus and a topic of great interest. The existing work styles contribute to the lack of diversity in the AEC industry, and the industry has been reluctant to evolve and change. Margins are often slim; consultants work to a deadline and frequently work long hours outside a traditional work schedule. This creates a challenge for many individuals in striking a balance between work life and personal life. Allowing work-from-home, flexible hours, off-shift work, and part-time work allows all professionals in the workplace to stay productive while acting as caregivers or meeting other personal demands. While work-life balance may be geared toward creating a delineation between work life and personal life (50%-50%), work-life fit is about creating a work and lifestyle that fosters both personal and professional life at the same time.

To achieve ultimate results, all professionals need their workplace to create a supportive environment personally and professionally. This will benefit the employee and employer for multiple reasons, including recruitment and retention. Workplaces which offer more flexible work hours are likely to actualize a decrease in absenteeism. When employees feel their employer is supportive, they are less likely to leave, increasing employee retention and reducing costs associated with turnover in a market where professionals available and qualified for employment in the AEC industry is finite.

This paper is based on data collected via interactive software, Mentimeter, during a presentation to the Structural Engineers Association of Arizona. There were approximately 50 engineers in attendance with 20 responding to the live survey. Data was collected based on responses during the presentation. While this paper reviews a specific issue within the AEC industry, it is not in support of any one group or their proposed solution to this problem. Flexible work challenges were identified by participants, by Interns, practicing Engineers, and Firm Principals. The need for a change in the industry is documented through the data collected.