The Significance of Inclusivity in the Construction Industry
Construction plays a crucial role in society by creating the infrastructure that sustains our daily lives. This year, during London Pride, construction firms across the city united to commemorate a significant achievement – a decade of support for the LGBTQ community. This milestone highlights the industry’s ongoing efforts towards inclusivity and diversity, showcasing both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. Let’s delve deeper into how construction companies are actively backing and embracing the LGBTQ community and the implications this holds for the future of the sector.
A Milestone Celebration at London Pride
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the LGBTQ cause, over 200 individuals marched in support of equality at London Pride. This collective effort was spearheaded by a coalition of six construction organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Notable participants like Balfour Beatty, accompanied by a rainbow digger, and LGBTQ advocacy group Constructing Equality, joined the parade, which drew around 32,000 attendees. Among the marchers was Christina Riley, a co-founder of Constructing Equality, who underwent a gender transition while employed at Balfour Beatty.
Progress and Challenges in LGBTQ Inclusivity
Reflecting on the past decade, Riley highlighted the substantial growth of LGBTQ worker resource groups within tier one contractors, citing the pioneering efforts of Balfour Beatty and Lendlease. Constructing Equality, which started with just four members in 2015, has now expanded to a group of 60, with chapters in various UK cities like Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff. While acknowledging these milestones, Riley emphasized that there is still significant ground to cover in achieving broader inclusion within the industry.
Advancing Inclusivity in the Workplace
The CIOB made a striking statement by donning rainbow hard hats and hi-vis gear as they marched alongside a series of rainbow-themed structures, backed by the London Festival of Architecture. Mark Harrison, the CIOB’s head of equality, diversity, and inclusion transformation, underscored the challenges faced by LGBTQ workers in the sector, with a third reporting that their sexual orientation hinders career advancement. Harrison emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their true selves, as failing to do so could lead to talent loss and hinder recruitment efforts in an increasingly competitive job market.
Supporting Diversity and Inclusion Practices
Recognizing the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their diversity and inclusion initiatives, the CIOB recently released guidance documents tailored to this segment. Harrison acknowledged the apprehensions that some employers may have in adopting inclusive practices, particularly those without dedicated staff for such matters. By providing resources and guidance, the CIOB aims to assist companies in fostering a more inclusive workplace culture, benefiting both employees and the industry as a whole.
the construction sector’s journey towards LGBTQ inclusivity is marked by significant progress, yet there remains ample room for improvement. By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, construction companies can not only attract diverse talent but also create a more inclusive and innovative industry for the future.
