{"id":12783,"date":"2021-08-01T14:42:51","date_gmt":"2021-08-01T14:42:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/?post_type=articles&p=12783"},"modified":"2021-09-14T14:43:03","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T14:43:03","slug":"how-some-companies-are-working-to-build-an-inclusive-and-diverse-workforce","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/how-some-companies-are-working-to-build-an-inclusive-and-diverse-workforce\/","title":{"rendered":"How Some Companies Are Working to Build an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce"},"content":{"rendered":"

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This June, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) hosted a daylong Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) Summit and invited NIA staff member Leslie Emery to attend and hear insights and best practices from experts and companies looking to achieve a healthy cultural and sustainable future in the construction industry. Below is a summary of summit events.<\/em><\/p>\n

The virtual event kicked off with representatives from three companies honored for their IDE programs who spoke about what has worked best at their companies. At United Rentals, Kacie Brewer manages inclusion councils and launches advocacy events including Women\u2019s History Month, Diversity Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. Brewer\u2019s diversity and inclusion (D&I) programming includes employee resource groups, a D&I survey and company coaching program, and a diversity partnership with other construction companies, suppliers, subcontractors, and hiring managers. She noted that her company\u2019s internal culture sets them apart, explaining, \u201cWe strive to build a better United Rentals that is inclusive, empowered, and safe\u2014where members of our United family go home each day even better than they arrived. It is our responsibility to take care of, support, and encourage one another in all that we do. We all play an important and active role in fostering a culture of integrity, trust, and understanding, and we are committed to continuous growth that can only broaden our perspectives by listening, learning, and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we will build an even better future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hensel Phelps\u2019s Manager of Supplier Diversity David Fisher focused on how the company recognizes the value of working with small businesses, referring to them as trade partners\u2014a term they use instead of subcontractors\u2014and building those partnerships. \u201cSubcontractors doesn\u2019t put you on a level playing field. Trade partners does,\u201d he emphasized. He also noted that they look at the long-term support their trade partners value, which he emphasized is based on relationships and safety. \u201cIf you work with us, get your safety program tight!\u201d he added, in a statement that was well received by participants.<\/p>\n

Helix Electric\u2019s EVP and Chief People Officer Rudy Alanis outlined four key areas\u2014tracked on a monthly basis\u2014around the company\u2019s IDE philosophy, which he described as \u201ccritical and not a flavor of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n

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  1. This is not just a human resources (HR) initiative.<\/strong> It starts at the top with a commitment from leadership, and he points to his company\u2019s Diversity Council that has specific goals.<\/li>\n
  2. Understand the external factors.<\/strong> Alanis interacts with outside groups such as the National Association of Women in Construction and the National Black Contractors Association to understand what needs to be done.<\/li>\n
  3. Be involved in the community.<\/strong> This goes beyond just giving money and focuses on partnerships to help understand the communities in which the company works.<\/li>\n
  4. Education.<\/strong> Education needs to move beyond unconscious bias to a better understanding of history and a constant dialogue.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Mindset and the Outcomes<\/h2>\n

    Another representative from United Rentals, Dennis Walker, Manager of National Association Relations, introduced Keynoter Doug Harris by sharing a challenge: \u201cGet out of your comfort zone. Don\u2019t build a bigger box, get out of the box.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Harris, CEO\/Thought Leader of Kaleidoscope Group, has worked on IDE issues for more than 30 years. In his keynote presentation, he not only looked back but also took stock of the present and viewed into the future. One question he often gets asked is: How do we make this not a check-the-box exercise but more sustainable for the long term? In essence, how do we make it stick? He explained, \u201cThe difference between those two is accountability. You have to install and instill accountability.\u201d To set the context for looking toward the future, Harris describes diversity as getting people in the door, inclusion as valuing differences, equity as fairness in opportunities, and unity as maximized collective effort.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Drilling down into the current construction industry challenges, Harris highlighted several topics, including:<\/p>\n