Ripe for Change: Women Poised to Lead the Transformation of Skilled Trades Staffing in Arizona

By Allison Walters, Workify President

As a woman who has spent over three decades in the construction and skilled trades staffing industry, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to break into a male-dominated field. Yet, I’ve also seen the incredible value that women bring to the table—especially in leadership roles. When I founded Workify Staffing, I knew we were doing more than just starting a staffing firm. We were making a statement about the power of women and women-owned businesses to lead, innovate, and shape the future of construction staffing.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

The construction industry has traditionally been a tough space for women to enter. Even today, women make up only about 11% of the construction workforce in the U.S., and an even smaller percentage hold leadership positions. Despite these numbers, more women are rising to key roles within construction firms, workforce management companies, and skilled trades staffing agencies.

I’ve had the privilege of holding senior sales leadership positions at three of the top 10 industrial staffing firms in the country. And now, as the President of Workify Staffing, a women-owned firm, I’m proud to represent a growing trend of women not just entering—but excelling in—industries long dominated by men. Through our firm, we are bringing a fresh perspective and an inclusive, values-driven approach to skilled trades staffing that sets us apart.

Why Women Leadership Matters in Construction Staffing

Women leaders bring unique skills and insights that are essential for solving the challenges facing today’s construction industry, particularly when it comes to the skilled labor shortage. Here are a few reasons why I believe women-owned businesses like Workify Staffing are crucial to the future of construction staffing:

1. Diverse Perspectives and Problem-Solving Approaches

   Women often approach challenges with a focus on collaboration and long-term solutions. In skilled trades staffing, this is invaluable. We are tasked with addressing complex workforce needs, closing the skills gap, and responding to fluctuating demand. Having diverse perspectives at the table makes all the difference.

   
   

2. Commitment to Safety and Compliance

   Workforce management in construction requires a relentless focus on safety and compliance. I’ve found that women leaders, myself included, bring a heightened awareness to these critical aspects. At Workify, we ensure that our staffing operations not only meet but exceed regulatory standards, with worker well-being always at the forefront.

   
   

3. Inclusive Recruitment Practices

   I’m passionate about inclusive hiring practices. At Workify, we are committed to ensuring that skilled laborers from all backgrounds are given the opportunities they deserve. This commitment to diversity is helping reshape the face of the skilled trades workforce.

   
   

4. Visionary Business Leadership

   As the President of a women-owned business, I take pride in leading by example. But it’s more than that—I see it as my responsibility to mentor other women entering the field. Success is not just about what I achieve, but about opening doors for others to follow and thrive.

   
   

Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in Skilled Trades Staffing

At Workify Staffing, we bring more than just diversity to the table. We offer cutting-edge solutions, specialized expertise, and a focus on sustainability that helps construction firms stay competitive in today’s market. Our data-driven approach to workforce management differentiates us from traditional legacy staffing firms. We offer precise, scalable staffing solutions that are tailored to meet client needs in real-time.

As more women take on leadership roles and build successful companies in this space, they’re proving that their contributions are not only valuable but essential to the future of skilled trades staffing. Women-owned businesses like Workify Staffing bring agility, innovation, and a commitment to doing things differently, which is crucial for addressing the skilled labor shortage and creating a sustainable workforce.

Looking Ahead: Women Will Shape the Future of Skilled Trades Staffing

The future of skilled trades staffing will increasingly be shaped by women like myself, who bring deep experience, strategic vision, and a fresh approach to the table. As more women-owned businesses enter this space and more women break barriers in construction leadership, they will play a pivotal role in solving one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the skilled labor shortage.

Women bring resilience, collaboration, and innovative thinking to the workforce—qualities that will help the construction industry evolve and thrive. Through companies like Workify Staffing, we’re not just participating in this industry, we’re leading it forward.

Conclusion

The skilled trades sector is at a pivotal moment, and I believe that women are going to play a critical role in driving its transformation. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the role of women in shaping its future will only grow stronger. Women-owned businesses like Workify Staffing are breaking down barriers, driving innovation, and fostering a new generation of leadership that will redefine what’s possible in skilled trades staffing.

By supporting and empowering women in this field, we open the door to a more diverse, dynamic, and successful future for construction staffing and workforce management. I’m proud to be at the forefront of this movement and excited for what’s to come. The possibilities are truly limitless.