It’s no secret that the construction industry has long been perceived as lacking diversity. As a woman navigating this industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges, as well as gradual shifts that are increasingly occurring. Values play a crucial role in shaping both companies and individuals, and diversity should be more than just checking a box. It should be an essential part of our everyday lives, an ongoing effort that must be celebrated and embraced.
At the core, diversity and inclusion are the efforts put forth to acknowledge the uniqueness and individuality of employees in the workplace. Traditionally, the construction industry has been a predominantly male workforce. However, this is gradually changing. Where once you might have walked into a room and seen no differences, now you’re more likely to encounter a diverse array of individuals, each bringing their own unique qualities and abilities to the table. A recent McKinsey report highlights this shift. Their 2020 Diversity Wins article reflects not only a change in demographics, but also a growing representation of diverse voices at the highest levels of decision-making.
Breaking down barriers and nurturing innovation are key aspects of this transformation. By implementing policies that promote diversity, construction companies are not only attracting a broader talent pool but also promoting a more dynamic and innovative workforce. Diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about tapping into the varied perspectives, experiences, and skills that individuals from different backgrounds bring to the table. As Pat Wadors, chief talent officer at Procore Technologies, eloquently states, “When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as an organization.”
In the journey towards a more diverse and inclusive construction industry, technological advancements play a pivotal role. One tool that has proven effective is the integration of human resources platforms for applicant tracking. These platforms offer sophisticated features that not only streamline the recruitment process but also enable companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion. By utilizing data-driven insights provided by these platforms, construction firms can identify areas for improvement in their hiring practices and proactively target diverse talent pools. These platforms facilitate blind recruitment techniques, which help mitigate unconscious biases in the selection process, ensuring that candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications and merits. With the aid of HR platforms, companies can foster a more inclusive environment by attracting, hiring, and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching their teams with a wealth of new perspectives and shared experiences.
In an industry where problem-solving and creativity are important, diverse teams offer a unique advantage. Whether it’s designing sustainable buildings, implementing new technology, or streamlining processes, diverse teams approach challenges from multiple angles, driving innovation and positive change.
Research consistently shows that companies with diverse workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts. According to Forbes, data from McKinsey reveals, the top quartile of companies for ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to financially outperform their less diverse peers. As the construction industry continues to advance, embracing diversity isn’t just essential, it’s a strategic advantage. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, construction companies can unlock new opportunities, overcome challenges, and build a more resilient and prosperous future for all stakeholders.
As we move forward, let us celebrate the diversity within our industry and recognize the immense value it brings. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and successful construction industry. One that truly reflects the uniqueness of the world we live in.
As your organization evaluates ways to enhance diversity and inclusion, consider bringing in an industry expert such as Burger Consulting Group to help your business define and develop a technological strategy and assist in implementing the appropriate software systems and solutions designed to streamline processes and outperform the competition.