Construction has long struggled with a reputation for tough working conditions and lack of diversity, but recent years have seen a lot of change for the sector. The covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally reshaped the world of work in ways that were once unimaginable, and nowhere more so than in the built environment.

As businesses navigated lockdowns, social distancing and shifting regulations, many were forced to rethink how they operated and communicated, as well as how they supported their employees. The construction and built environment sector in particular faced unique challenges, from disrupted project timelines to the need for remote collaboration in roles traditionally rooted on-site. Yet, within this upheaval, the pandemic also accelerated positive change, with flexibility, mental health and employee wellbeing taking centre stage.