Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is a topic of global importance that affects a range of industries and sectors. For the construction industry however it’s a top priority due to its potential crippling long-term impact. In the face of a tightening labor market, companies should be focusing their strategies on hiring, developing, and training a more diverse workforce.
Here are some of the highlights discussed at our 2022 Construction Risk Management Conference to help guide organizations in strengthening their D&I strategy:
01
Culture and accountability
Moving beyond the traditional industry risk control efforts that focus entirely on physical loss and greatly ignore mental health; positive working environment and culture is imperative. Creating a diverse work environment starts by encouraging a culture of acceptance, feedback and continual improvement. Building cultures where employees feel safe is crucial for teams to thrive in the workplace.
Change happens when purpose and value meet. Leaders have the power to drive change and consciously improve diversity by making D&I an integral part of the talent experience and value proposition. For this to happen it requires both leadership commitment and accountability.
02
Unconscious bias
Understanding the implications of unconscious bias is critical to cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging. We all have a tendency of making decisions prompted by a range of assumptions and biases that we are not aware of, but that can have a detrimental impact on D&I, therefore it’s essential for leaders and organizations to manage the situation from the top down.
There is a difference between being included and belonging to a team. Belonging is a sense you get that you are a valued member of a company and when employees feel that they have a sense of purpose. This kind of belonging increases productivity, collaboration, and commitment across the organization.
03
Making diversity work for women in construction
