Unlocking the Benefits of DEI: You're Already Doing It!

What do you think when you hear someone talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace? Some business leaders may shy away from DEI, thinking it’s a huge, costly headache. If this is you, don’t be surprised to hear this, but your company is already doing more work in DEI than you think.

The Grand Valley Construction Association is working with Ren Navarro from B Diversity Group to create a DEI training and certification program for our members that is tailored to the industry. Navarro says the first thing to know about DEI is that it isn't about replacing anyone. It's about expanding opportunities for everyone.

“DEI can simply be offering a larger array of PPE sizes. Ten years ago, if you were a smaller man or woman, there was a good chance the PPE you were given was too big,” Navarro says. “That’s a significant safety issue. Today, most construction companies and trades offer properly sized PPE, and trips and falls have decreased. That’s diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Another example is British Columbia’s recent announcement that construction sites with 25 or more workers must have washroom facilities with running water. This simple change improves basic hygiene, making the site more inclusive by default.

Women on the site will have a more hygienic washroom, and men on the site will have cleaner facilities compared to traditional chemical toilets. Everyone on your team will feel less anxious about being on-site, whether that’s s who’s menstruating or your foreman who shouldn’t have had that food truck burrito.

“Workplaces often make changes based on a new regulation or an employee request. These changes don’t have the word ‘diversity’ in them, and they get done. But when someone puts the DEI title on it, people can get their backs up against the wall. That’s what we want to change,” Navarro says.

Another example of DEI is offering language support on work sites and translating safety materials.

“If you’re offering translation in languages other than English and French, you're already doing DEI. You want access to more people with the skills you need. Maybe the best masons are guys from Cuba. If you offer translations and language support, they will think your company is the best one to work at,” Navarro says.

Whether it’s offering the right PPE to better washrooms, DEI benefits your employees and your bottom line.

“If you get a certain group of traditionally underrepresented folks into your business, Does it improve the quality of your work? Does it change the speed of your work? Are you now turning things around faster and getting better results,” Navarro says. “Constructions leaders should starting thinking about DEI in those terms.”

Embracing DEI isn't a radical shift—it's a continuation and enhancement of what you're already doing.

“I would say that DEI is a misnomer. It's about creating a more open space and adding to your already solid pool of employees. That will impact how you're approaching the community and the way the community approaches you,” she says.

We want your input before we launch the new program. Here’s a short four-question survey to help us understand where your company is today.