The challenges:
- A quarter of a million skilled workers will be retiring over the next decade
- Increased globalization demands more awareness of different cultures
- The changing needs of a changing workforce
- Increased demands for corporate social responsibility such as fairness and equity
The solution:
- Creating and sustaining workplaces that support cohesive and successful teams with a diversity of backgrounds; and leveraging that diversity for success.
Did you know?
- Indigenous people represent 3.7% of the construction workforce and with the fastest growing population in Canada, creates potential for replenishing a retiring workforce.
- Women in skilled trades represent 4% of the Canadian construction workforce; this number has remained relatively unchanged over the past 25 years.
WHAT IS A RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE?
It’s how someone says something to you. – Tradeswoman, Ironworker
The willingness to show consideration for other’s feelings. – Respect in the Workplace Program, Construction Owner’s Association of Alberta
The Platinum Rule: Treat others as they wish to be treated. – Tony Alessandra and Michael J. O’Connor, 1996.
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OUR NEXT INSTALLMENT: How respect, inclusion and diversity can create the team that everyone wants to be a part of.
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Resources:
- Alessandra, Tony and Michael J. O’Connor. The Platinum Rule. 1996. Warner Books, New York.
- BuildForce Canada. Representation of Aboriginal People and Women in Canada’s Construction and Maintenance Workforce. May 2016. See www.dev-bf-hub.pantheonsite.io/en/products/representation-indigenous-canadians-and-women-canadas-construction-and-maintenance-0.
- Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. Understanding Hidden Bias. 2014. Webinar.
- Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion. Introduction to Cross Cultural Awareness. 2014. Webinar.
- Construction Owner’s Association of Alberta. Respect in the Workplace Program. 2011.
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– JOIN THE CONVERSATION –
What is a respectful workplace?
This project has been funded by Status of Women Canada.