Construction Inclusion Week: Belonging
This week marks Construction Inclusion Week which aims to raise awareness for inclusion and diversity in the construction industry.
Here at Knutson, We believe that diversity drives innovation and collaboration. Our strength lies in our team members’ diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Throughout this week, we encourage open dialogues, education, and shared experiences to cultivate a culture that represents differences and actively celebrates them!
Construction Inclusion Week is broken down into daily themes:
Monday- Commitment & Accountability
Tuesday- Belonging
Wednesday- Supplier Diversity
Thursday- Workplace Culture
Friday- Community Engagement
Today, we want to focus on the theme of Belonging. Team Blue always aims to promote a sense of belonging, and recently we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a special speaker, Mauricio Montes de Oca. He talked about his Hispanic heritage and highlighted the importance of celebrating community and belonging, not just in the industry, but also in our daily lives.
Ana Lowery, our Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, also shared her thoughts on belonging:
“Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging is essential for building a strong community here at Knutson and in our industry. It is vital to ensure all individuals feel included and valued.
First and foremost, promoting open dialogue is crucial. Encouraging people to share their unique perspectives and experiences can help build empathy and understanding. This is done here at Knutson through our diversity training sessions and regular meetings held by leadership that allows us to share and feel included.
Another step towards fostering inclusion is providing equal opportunities for growth and development. Our industry should strive to offer training and support for all employees. Providing mentorship programs and resources can also help ensure every person succeeds and excels in their career. I believe we offer those opportunities through KAP, Knutson’s internship program, and leadership that are readily available to assist you in your career growth.
Creating ERG networks can be impactful as well. These groups allow individuals to come together based on shared identities and interests providing a sense of belonging. The Women’s ERG group helps build strong relationships among employees and encourages collaboration and support.
Lastly, leadership plays a significant role in fostering inclusivity and belonging. Leaders must lead by example demonstrating respect and sensitivity to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our leadership actively champions diversity and inclusion initiatives and ensures that policies and practices are fair and equitable.”
Let’s come together to inspire change, foster understanding, and build a future where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We encourage everyone to join us in this initiative to make a lasting impact! Learn more: Construction Inclusion Week
