Embracing the Power of Diversity
Diversity Improves Our Business and the Communities We Serve
Knutson is deeply committed to cultivating and upholding diversity throughout our workforce, relationships, and communities. We recognize the utmost importance of continually advancing our comprehension of diversity, equity, and inclusion as transformative forces within our work, industry, and company values.
Our unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion extends to embracing individuals from all backgrounds and nationalities, actively engaging in outreach initiatives, providing ongoing training and development opportunities, and implementing rigorous evaluations to gauge the impact of our construction endeavors. By utilizing these essential tools, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a workforce that authentically represents the diverse communities we serve. We firmly believe that this inclusive approach enables us to produce work that is truly meaningful and impactful.
Knutson Alliance Program
In 2015, Knutson launched the Knutson Alliance Program (KAP). This program is dedicated to engaging, mentoring, and empowering diverse businesses to grow steadily and thoughtfully through competitive opportunities provided within shared markets. Selected program participants attend quarterly professional development presentations as well as numerous networking events designed to increase connection and opportunity between general contractors, like Knutson, and subcontractors eager to expand their project portfolios.
The Knutson Alliance Program is one of many initiatives Knutson has taken on in an effort to be an upstander for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. We acknowledge the mutual benefit for both our company and the community in promoting a wide range of subcontractors, suppliers, and vendor relationships, recognizing that engaging with diverse businesses not only contributes to the economic development of our local communities but also creates opportunities for deserving businesses that may have faced initial challenges, paving the way for new opportunities for their growth and success.
Providing a Platform
It is important for us to recognize and remedy barriers our employees encounter within the work they do. We strive to identify these obstacles and actively eliminate them, empowering our entire team to excel both at Knutson as well as within the construction industry. We know these initiatives are impactful for all, but this is especially true for disadvantaged groups who may struggle to find their place in the industry due to preconceived notions and falsities.
At Knutson, minority groups, like women, are given an opportunity and encouraged to share their perspectives and ideas. Knutson’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), formed in 2021, works to ensure our female employees feel assured, inspired, and appreciated in the work they do and allows women across the company to actively build in community and connect on a more intentional level outside daily work functions with employees from both office and field participating. This unique sampling of contributors encourages diverse perspectives and ideas – many of which will positively impact Knutson both internally and externally.