Inclusion update for the Built Environment industry
Newsletter 14: Has Covid had a negative effect on progress, or is it opening up new opportunities?
Constructing Rainbows advises built environment organisations who have an aim of making our industry inclusive for all. To find out more visit www.constructingrainbows.co.uk This newsletter will provide you with some updates on what others are doing, both within the built environment and in other industries.
With retail and hospitality having a high number of female workers, this is an excellent opportunity for construction to recruit and retrain to increase female representation.
Although the industry’s journey to becoming more diverse and inclusive has been hindered by the coronavirus pandemic, EG’s third survey on attitudes to LGBTQ+ in real estate shows that further progress is essential for businesses – and their people – to thrive in the future.
The report yet again highlighted the pay and reward differentials based on gender, which has got significantly worse this year 27% up from 17%, and ethnicity 20% (between white and BAME people - with Black people faring much worse).
Some parts of the built environment industry are more equal than others, but it really demonstrates how far we have to go, and sadly, how Covid-19 seems to have widened those gaps.
The experience of ageism in the recruitment process is widespread, according to a new report, affecting older jobseekers’ confidence, wellbeing and finances.
The problem with masking such conditions however is that it leads to heightened anxiety and pressure, as well as preventing a person from getting the workplace accommodations and adjustments they may need to work at their best.
The Department for Work and Pensions are supporting 10 pilots of Mid-life MOTs. The MOT's focus on work, health and money for over 40's. The aim is to ensure that people are well prepared for the latter parts of their career and into retirement. I've heard of a number of businesses doing a similar MOT for their employees - perhaps something you might want to consider?
The Inspire Awards are back, and I'm pleased to be judging again. If you are an organisation or an individual who is making a positive impact, get your entries in by 26th March.
This is the fourth and final instalment of SRM's Beyond 1% podcast. In this episode, I join Alison Cox and Sukh Puwar discussing how to smash the glass ceiling and build a successful career in construction.
