While we work together to fill the labor gap, let’s prioritize building a workforce that represents the very communities that we serve. As of today, we have a ways to go: about 60% of the industry is White, 31% is Hispanic, 6% is Black and 2% is Asian. Not only is the construction industry mostly White, it’s also made up of mostly males. Even though women make up half of the U.S. workforce, they account for just 10% of the construction workforce.
It doesn’t matter where a person comes from or what they look like, there is a career in construction for them. Like we shared last week, there are positions that are made for all types of skills and interests, from desk-bound computer work to hands-on labor. Current lack of representation shouldn’t be a barrier.
We need our workforce to be equally as diverse as the incredible range of career opportunities. Like we shared in a previous post, a diverse, inclusive workforce fosters fresh perspectives and innovative solutions and boosts employee morale and company success.
We encourage every Ohio construction team to champion inclusion so we can reach our fullest potential and better connect with our communities. That’s why we’ll be observing Construction Inclusion Week all week long. This industry-wide awareness effort launched in 2021 and is now an established 501(c)(6) organization. The goal of Construction Inclusion Week is to “ build awareness of the need to improve diversity and inclusion in the construction industry by providing content and resources.”
All week long there will be in-person and virtual events nationwide. Click this link to participate in a scheduled event. Even if you’re not able to attend, follow along on their website as they dive into important topics, following daily themes.
- Monday, October 16th: Commitment and Accountability
- Tuesday, October 17th: Belonging
- Wednesday, October 18th: Supplier Diversity
- Thursday, October 19th: Workplace Culture
- Friday, October 20th: Community Engagement
Visit the Construction Inclusion Week website for additional content and curriculum including:
- DEI Maturity Model framework
- Training guide/webinar for Tool Box Talk/Table Talk facilitators
- Planning schedule template
- Community engagement resources to connect with local students
As you join along with each of the daily themes and events, you may come to realize that your crew is at a different place in your diversity, equity and inclusion journey than others in your community — and that’s okay. The hope of this week is to create alignment through open communication so that we can attract and retain the best talent possible. There may be some growing pains and difficult conversations, but the end result will be for the good of all.
We can’t wait to see the results of the 2023 Construction Inclusion Week. Last year, twice as many construction firms participated in the second annual Construction Inclusion Week than its inaugural year. We hope to see that same growth this year so we can create construction career pride for all.
For answers to specific questions about Construction Inclusion Week, email info@constructioninclusionweek.com.
