By Jeremie Budesa, Resource Manager
It is a fact! A diverse workforce is the key to the success of your construction firm. Data shows that with the generation of Baby Boomers slowly and steadily retiring, the demographics of the construction industry have changed, creating a huge labor shortage. To make sure that your company doesn’t face this challenge, you need to need to find ways to grow the pool of your workforce. Taking action towards improving diversity in construction is going have a beneficial effect for your organization talent needs. Check out what your firm can do to embrace diversity.
Target Diverse Groups
The belief that the construction industry is a male dominated industry has created lots of misconceptions. For instance, the impression that an electrician job opening can only be filled by male candidates, or that a resume of a female applicant doesn’t stand a chance in the hiring process are a few examples. The idea that solid construction skills are the privilege of a specific group of tradespeople is something that your company must refrain from. In order for your firm to stay ahead of competition, you need to turn to other groups of individuals. Women and Millennials are great sources of construction talent for your needs.
Implement Programs
Once you bring diverse groups of individuals in your company, you need to make sure that you have the right programs in place to help them stay. For example, when you hire Millennials for a construction job, have them work side by side with senior workers to help them gain the right experience and grow strong construction skills. In case of female employees, offer incentives such as flexible schedules and maternity leave in order to facilitate their decision to stay with your company. In other words, create and put in place the necessary programs and policies that demonstrate your commitment in improving diversity in construction.
Attend Events
Another way for your construction firm to embrace diversity is to have a presence at events that promote diversity. Attend conferences that encourage the role of women in the field of construction. In addition, be present at events that enhance the skills and employability of transitioning military veterans in the construction industry. Hold job fairs and invite women owned or veteran owned companies. Go to trade schools and talk about the importance of diversity for your organization. Get your company out there and show you are an advocate of diversity in construction. The more you expand your network reach, the more you grow your pool of talent.
Share Success Stories
Diversity leads to more diversity. That being said, your company needs to promote all the success stories it has on diversity as a means to attract new construction skills. Did you hire a female worker whose construction career thrived in your company? Are you talking about the career development that Millennials experience within your firm when you visit trade schools in search of more construction talent? Are you working with contractors who also have in place initiatives to promote diversity? Use solid examples of improving diversity in construction to establish your company as a diversity advocate in the industry.
Make Diversity Your Culture
If you simply promote diverse initiatives because you want to fill the next construction job that opens up in your organization, then you need to change gears. Improving diversity in construction is not solely the job of a company’s upper management. It must be an effort that includes everyone and is supported by everyone. Get together with your staff and talk to them about the benefits of diversity for your construction firm and the importance of them embracing your efforts. Explain to them that they need to be part of the process and do their part to make diversity a company culture.
Key Takeaways to How Your Construction Firm Can Embrace Diversity:
1. Target diverse groups and facilitate their on-boarding process
2. Put in place programs and initiatives that allow you improve diversity
3. Attend events that allow you to access diverse groups
4. Use success stories as a means to promote diverse initiatives
5. Make sure your staff is on board your efforts to embrace diversity
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
