ATLANTA—Over the last few years, women in the industrial real estate sector have started seeing…well, more women in the industrial real estate sector. Women currently make up approximately 39% of the supply chain workforce on average, and according to female industrial and supply chain leaders, it may be the subtle female-centricity of e-commerce that is driving this trend.

Because subscription boxes, online shopping sites and e-groceries make the work-life balance easier for working women, and e-commerce has gained such visibility, more women have become interested in the industrial real estate niche.

"E-commerce brings the question to the forefront, "how does stuff work?" explains Bethany Clark, managing director of Strategy & Operations for Cushman & Wakefield's Logistics & Industrial Services group for the Americas.

For example, most people initially saw the huge truck on the highway and knew items were in there but didn't understand the details behind the overall operation. Now, people are the ones placing the orders and receiving the goods at their front steps. As a result, the industry is becoming more visible, and people want to know how the process works, Clark tells GlobeSt.com.

"There are not only women who generally understand how processes work but now they also bring creative solutions and innovations to the table," says Clark. "Industrial real estate brings these solutions to the leaders of the supply chain. Women understand how a company's supply chain can be enhanced and bring another dimension into the conversation."

Companies Making Accommodations for Working Moms

As 80% of purchasing decisions are made by females, companies are making accommodations for their employees. For example, leaders at Cushman & Wakefield have seen inbound employment inquiries from female prospects increase tenfold in the last 5 years

Warehouses are also embracing modern amenities and shifts to become more attractive to working parents. For example, the Tory Burch fulfillment center offers 3-day, 12-hour shifts to attract more female workers.

There are significantly more women who are wondering how can they get involved in industrial real estate.

"There are great opportunities and trajectories because the sector is growing so fast," observes Clark. "C&W have brought a lot of women into the sector. This is a great time to get into the industry."

Instant Insights /

Gender Equalizer: The Industrial and E-Commerce Space

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