Ways to better foster diversity in construction

Hostile work environments can affect morale and even a company’s bottom line. With that in mind, doing something about bias in the workplace starts right at the frontlines. There are ways to advance diversity throughout the industry if you apply some ideas from professionals to do so.

Diversity is important to the success and livelihood of every project and for every person in the workplace. Creating a culture of CARE within our community can have far reaching-impacts.

Here are some ideas to consider when approaching diversity in the workplace. See if you can either begin or continue any of these within your own company — and be sure to address these matters with your HR representatives to see that changes are made.

Recruiting and hiring: Include co-workers from different levels in interviews for prospective hires. It’s also important to ensure there is a blind application review process to address biases.

Start a welcome tradition: As people are hired, establish a tradition that speaks to the diversity of the community you are building within your own city or town. It’s another way for inclusion to be top-of-mind right from the start.

Strive for diverse core crews: From day one, hires should include people from every walk of life. The more varied the crew, the more that everyone will feel included and a part of the greater mission.

Provide culture training: Every employee, no matter their role, should be part of initial and ongoing training on culture.

Look closely at safety standards: It’s important to ensure that all professional and safety standards are responsive to cultural diversity, and that they are applied to everyone.

Facilitate healthy work/life balance: Make this a trait of employment that is explained and understood right up front. It should also be addressed on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is being practiced.

Supporting everyone who is part of ACGW

Respect, inclusion and diversity are all part of our goal to build an economically strong and vibrant community where families and businesses can prosper equally. Having initiatives, supportive benefits and education for everyone at AGCW can help to achieve this.

We focus on strategic decisions and practical actions in the work we do for our members, always tailored to the unique realities that we all face and the changing landscape of the business world. We are on your side and ready to help in any way we can.

To find out more about our resources, go to our website.