The Construction industry is suffering a major skills shortage and is missing out on the contribution of more than 50% of its potential workforce due to being predominantly and historically limited to straight (cishet) white men.
In the articles below we discuss How the Construction Industry can increase and support Diversity in its workforce and ensure Equity and Inclusion of all. There is a particular focus on Women in Construction and Neurodiversity in Construction, as well as sources of more information and support related to inclusion of a more diverse workforce.
In this context:
- Equity aims to recognize and compensate for the various barriers that lead to specific groups of people being underrepresented. This is different from Equality which aims to treat everyone the same. This could include taking differences in background or education into account when interviewing, or setting up a mentoring programmes to support those from specific groups, such as women, minorities, LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent people.
- Diversity ensures a range of different identities across traits like ethnicity, race, gender identity, language, socioeconomic status, and (dis)ability (among many other characteristics) are represented.
- Inclusion It is not enough to have just equity and a diverse workforce. Construction needs to ensure that everyone feels appreciated, valued, welcomed and considered, and are given the opportunities to contribute, progress and excel.
View Articles related to: Diversity in Construction
Also see: Neurodiversity in Construction
Also see: Pride in Construction
Also see: Women in Construction