Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Construction
Workforce shortages across the construction industry provide new urgency to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet a survey of construction professionals suggests the industry may have challenges attracting or retaining talent from historically underrepresented populations. Conducted in the spring of 2022, the survey was sent to readers of SmartBrief’s newsletter for members of the Associated General Contractors of America. It was sponsored by Bridgit, the leader in workforce management tools built specifically for construction. Survey analysis suggests that the construction industry has, at the very least, an image problem and possibly more substantial issues to address when it comes to DEI.
For example, 3 out of 4 women surveyed reported being harassed at some time during their construction careers. Ten percent of women said they don’t feel safe at work from physical, verbal, or sexual harassment.