October 13, 2025

Building together: why inclusion matters in construction

Davidson

One of the purposes of Construction Inclusion Week is to pause, reflect, and commit to ensuring that construction sites and offices are places where every person feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. It is a time when construction companies of every size work together to foster respectful job sites, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure that all employees — regardless of background — feel valued and supported.

The construction workforce is one of the largest in the country, employing over 8 million people across diverse trades and professions. Despite this scale, challenges remain in attracting and retaining talent, particularly tradespersons. Building an inclusive workforce is essential to our industry's future success. Here's why:

1. Talent shortage: With ongoing labor shortages, we cannot afford to overlook talented individuals who may not fit traditional molds. Inclusion broadens the pipeline.

2. Better problem-solving: Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, leading to more creative solutions on complex projects.

3. Driving innovation: New voices bring fresh ideas. Inclusion encourages problem-solving that keeps projects efficient and forward-looking.

4. Stronger communities: A workforce that reflects the community fosters trust, credibility, and pride in the work being done.

5. Improved safety and culture: When employees feel respected and heard, they are more engaged, more collaborative, and more committed to safety.

INCLUSION ON THE JOB SITE

Photo courtesy of JTM Construction [enlarge]

Carolyn Stovall (left), JTM’s assistant survey superintendent with Ardel Kennard (right), project accountant on a job site.

• Inclusion doesn't happen by accident — it requires intentional effort. On job sites, that means:

Ensuring all voices are heard during planning and safety meetings.

• Providing mentorship and advancement opportunities to employees from all backgrounds and demographics.

• Making zero tolerance for harassment, hazing, or exclusionary behavior a standard.

Using inclusive language and signage that makes everyone feel welcome.

Small actions — like inviting input from apprentices or recognizing contributions during daily huddles — send a powerful message: YOU BELONG HERE.

A CALL TO ACTION

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Inclusion on job sites doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intentional effort, including making sure all voices are heard and maintaining a zero tolerance policy for exclusionary language and behavior.

As leaders, coworkers, and partners, we all have a role to play:

• Leaders: Set the tone by holding teams accountable for inclusive behaviors. Invest in training and professional development so employees can build long, sustainable careers.

• Supervisors: Model respect on the job site and mentor the next generation. Celebrate successes of individuals and teams alike

• Employees: Speak up, support each other, and commit to building a culture of belonging.

Every project starts with a foundation. By making inclusion part of ours, we can strengthen the industry for generations to come.

LOOKING AHEAD

The looming talent shortage is real, and we must create workspaces in which newcomers can enter, engage, learn, thrive and recruit. The construction industry can foster safety and inclusiveness extending beyond our project boundaries. Internships, school partnerships, and community initiatives foster early connections and show young people that construction has a place for them.

The structures we build will stand for decades and we have the privilege to build a sustainable workforce — one that not only meets today's needs but also ensures a strong future for industry — through inclusion, respect and opportunity.

Construction Inclusion Week reminds us that true strength is not just in concrete and steel, but in the people who bring projects to life. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place, and everyone belongs.

Kindra Davidson is an HR leader in the construction industry, passionate about building people-first programs that strengthen culture, support growth, and create sustainable workplaces.

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• Building up the future: how DPR's internship program opens doors for tomorrow's construction leaders
  
• Partnering as the ultimate inclusion tool