Hearing this makes us proud of how our teams operate. But it is also a stark reminder of the collective steps we must continue to make to ensure the construction industry is truly inclusive for all. Making sure everyone can bring their whole selves to work is at the very heart of creating not only a safe workplace, but a vibrant and dynamic company culture. The recent Supreme Court ruling on job discrimination is an important step forward, and the reality is that we all still have work to do.
In a 2018 Human Rights Campaign Foundation survey of 804 LGBTQ workers and 811 straight respondents across all industries, 46% of LGBTQ workers remain closeted at work, and half of the non-LGBTQ workers reported that there were no “out” employees at their firm. The findings also showed that 59% of non-LGBTQ workers think that it is unprofessional to talk about sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace.
This means that positive communication among all employees – not just LGBTQIA+ individuals – is crucial, particularly in the construction industry where the narrative of “masculinity” and any associated stigma can be hardest to address. We need to make sure the right messages are being conveyed and heard by all each and every day, because that narrative will only change when allies step up.
Two years ago, Gilbane created employee resource groups (ERGs) which are in part, dedicated to creating an inclusive work culture. Our hope was that ERGs would offer a space to share challenges, opportunities, and network to the benefit of Gilbane employees on an individual basis and also for the greater Gilbane Building Company family.
Creating a safe and inclusive workplace requires allies both inside and outside of the company. All of our ERGs work on developing and growing ally members. In fact, over 50% of our Pride ERG members self-identify as allies.
The role of an ally is vital to developing and sustaining workplace inclusion. Allies are expected to ask thoughtful questions, talk openly, and foster comfort and inclusion. Allies also bear a critical responsibility to listen, stay informed, and to stand up to incidents, behaviors, comments, and actions that are prejudiced or discriminatory.
Of course, being an ally extends beyond support of LGBTQIA+ community. In recent weeks, we have seen the latest evidence of systemic racism that continue to cause so much pain for communities of color across the nation. We must play an active role in being anti-racist. We all have an obligation to stand up against discrimination in any form, whether it be racism, homophobia or any other bigotry and just as importantly, we must know when to take a step back and listen to the voices of those who are directly impacted.
At Gilbane, we support a workplace where all can come to work in a family of acceptance, inclusion, and safety. In addition to supporting and developing allies, companies must do their part to create safe channels for reporting on bias and discrimination. We must take these issues head on and commit ourselves to the support of civil rights, freedoms, dignity, and equality. And we can start by taking responsibility and pride in being an ally.
