Construction and LGBT+

From 1,000's of builders on sites across London tying up their boots with rainbow laces in support of LGBT+ equality to an industry-wide advice network – construction is embracing diversity. To bring about a more inclusive approach to our workforce employers have put a range of strategies in place.

Win-win

Research has shown that making the workplace more inclusive for LGBT+ employees brings many business benefits including:

Better job satisfaction and productivity among all staff
Wider choice when recruiting staff
Better staff retention
Improved company reputation – heterosexual audiences also scrutinise businesses for their diversity record

A structured approach to develop fairness, inclusion and respect in construction companies has been provided by the CITB’s Be Fair Framework. It is aimed at creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. This is done through free resources that look at the Equality Act 2010 and how to implement this effectively in the workplace.

No Bystander Policy

Many employers adopt a “no bystander” policy to encourage people to discourage those who use offensive language – whether innocently or intentionally.

Role models

As they are within the community itself, LGBT+ staff are encouraged to be role models and to be given the time to inspire others, preventing feelings of isolation for employees.

Inclusive employers

The LGBT+ job site lists only jobs from companies with established policies of inclusiveness. It features jobs from multiple sectors including construction.

Surveys and influence

Staff are anonymously surveyed, with questions on sexual orientation and transgender identity, so they can share their thoughts on equality, diversity and inclusion. The feedback is used to help make company-wide policies and plans.

Constructing equality

The network provides a supportive, safe and confidential space to meet, share and discuss views, experiences or concerns. It aims to raise the profile of LGBT+ construction professionals and act as an adviser on LGBT+ users of infrastructure.

Training to tackle unconscious bias

Unconscious bias training, coaching and workshops can also be offered. Unconscious bias is when we judge each other unfairly based on ignorance, making mental shortcuts, often resulting in bad, inaccurate or biased choices.

LGBT+ Support

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) - packed with resources, employer best practice guides and a employer and community forum to share advice, expertise and experience.
Stonewall - this organisation aims to help different industries and institutions to be fully accepting and welcoming to all.
Constructing Equality - their vision is to create and sustain a fairer construction industry through the values of fairness, inclusion and respect.
Diversity Jobs - this job site only includes postings from employers that are committed to employing a varied and diverse workforce.
Building Equality - An alliance of construction firms collaborating to drive LGBT+ inclusion.

Images courtesy of Christina Riley