b'WCA EDUCATIONRespectful Workplace Provides Competitive AdvantageBuildForce launches a Respectful andInclusive Workplace ToolkitBy Bill Ferreira, Executive Director, BuildForce CanadaOver the coming decade, theIn a global study, Shattering themaintenance industry labour force, butconstruction workplace is likely toGlass Ceiling by Boston Consultingless than five per cent of the onsite change significantly. Evolving buildingGroup, 90 per cent of executivesworkers. Indigenous peoples didnt standards, the use of new materials,across all business sectors reportedfare much better at just 4.9 per cent artificial intelligence, modularization,seeing a connection betweenof the total labour force. Doubling prefabrication and the greater useemployee diversity and theirthese percentages alone is one way of digital technologies all have thecompanys success. the industry can meet its future potential to not just change whatEmployees in a speak-up culturelabour force needs, but to do this we build, but how we build it. Oneeffectively, employers need to ensure thing that wont change, however,were three-and-a-half timesthe onsite culture respects diversity. is the need for clear and respectfulmore likely to contribute their fullAfter all, theres no point investing onsite communications. Be itinnovative potential, according toin efforts to get people through the supervisor to foreperson, forepersona study published in the Harvarddoor and trained if the workplace to journeyperson, or journeypersonBusiness Review in December 2013.culture discourages them from staying. to apprentice, clear and respectfulCanadas demographic crunch willSimply put, by developing a culture communications will remain integral tobecome more severe over the nextof inclusiveness and respect, the effective project delivery. decade and competition for top talentconstruction and maintenance industry A strong corporate culture thatwill be intense. By 2028, approximatelywill be ready to welcome talented promotes a workplace environment22 per cent of Canadas constructionworkers from every walk of life to help of respect and inclusion will beand maintenance labour force willaddress its future labour force needs.instrumental when recruiting andhave retired, while the pool of workersTo support the industry in achieving retaining the best and brightestunder 25 years of age will decline as athis goal, in 2018, BuildForce available talent. Progressive companiespercentage of the overall population.launched the Respectful and Inclusive in all sectors are embracing theseTo meet the industrys future labourWorkplace Toolkit. Aimed at industry goals, not just because its the rightforce needs, successful companies willemployers large and small, the project thing to do, but because adoption ofneed to broaden their recruitmentprovides them with the tools required these important principles providesefforts to include all sources of labourto help ensure their workplace them with a competitive advantage.in the construction and maintenancecultures are respectful of differences Research shows that an effectiveindustry, including Indigenous people,and welcoming to all employees, respectful and inclusive workplacewomen and newcomers to Canada.regardless of gender, background or program contributes to the bottomIn 2018, women accounted for 13circumstance. The toolkit consists of line. For example: per cent of the construction andthree distinct tools:12 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'