Women in North American railroad operational roles: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Leaders in the traditionally male-dominated railroad industry should understand the challenges associated specifically with more women in their workplaces and, perhaps more importantly, gain a clearer understanding of how to attract and retain more female employees. Researchers surveyed employees at two of North America's largest railroads—one in the United States and another in Canada—to anonymously record employees' current attitudes regarding women in traditionally male-dominated operations positions. These railroads agreed to participate in this study in order to help identify sources of potential employment recruitment pools and pinpoint gender-specific barriers in the workplace. This research included tracing historical challenges women have faced in becoming railroad operating employees. In addition to analyzing trends and challenges of employing women in male-dominated roles, this study considered how job vacancies should be marketed to gain the interest of potential female employees and examined how to implement best practices to promote and foster greater numbers of women in these operational roles.