INVESTING IN THE FUTURE WORKFORCE


New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts to Support Industry Workforce Needs


By Carol Eaton


its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the construction industry, the diverse 15-member group of industry experts recently culminated their work with a report designed to spark much-needed change. Chock full of ideas, initiatives and


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recommendations and predicated on dozens of hours of deep-dive research, conversations and strategic planning sessions, the AGC DEI Task Force Report makes the business case for how increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce benefits individual companies and the industry at large. “Proving that (diversity, equity, and


inclusion) is good for business was a major focus,” said task force member Sean Anderson, President and CEO of Stoer Construction. “It shouldn’t be seen as something that is designed to slow down businesses, hinder them in some way or be just another hurdle.” As a business owner himself,


Anderson said he relies on AGC for everything from contract and scheduling help to legal and financial information for construction related issues. “Tis is just another place where AGC can develop those program and resources (relating to DEI) and make them available to members,” he added. In addition to promoting awareness


of DEI issues, the report outlines a plan to provide members with the tools to improve their internal company culture and effect change through


8 September/October 2021


ess than a year after AGC of California (AGC) formally launched a task force to advance


training and educational resources, a shared knowledge base, social media- based programs, and a host of other initiatives.


Value-Added Initiative Kayla Montgomery, diversity


and inclusion specialist with PCL Construction, said the opportunity to participate on the Task Force (which will soon sunset and be followed by the AGC DEI Steering Committee) has been invaluable. “It really is special when you have these deep-seated passions that connect to your work, and


“Proving that (diversity, equity and inclusion) is good for business was a major focus. It shouldn’t be seen as something that is designed to slow down businesses, hinder them in some way or be just another hurdle.” - Sean Anderson, Stoer Construction


then the timing of what the market is ready for—and what the industry is ready to innovate on—aligns,” she commented. “I am really proud of the recom-


mendations we put together,” Montgomery added. “To pack as much


into this recommen- dation list, and to be as thoughtful and thorough regarding where we see the future of construction going, and how do we see AGC playing a role in driving some pretty significant change—it’s something I’ll always see as a big success.” From the initial kick-off meeting


Sean Anderson


in fall 2020 until they presented their recommendations to the AGC State Board of Directors in May 2021, the AGC DEI Task Force explored a variety of ways to move the needle on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. Tey focused on adding value and meeting members where they are at, regardless of a company’s size or how far they are along their individual DEI journey. “What we were able to put together


as our priority list really allows AGC members to see themselves where they are at and where they want to be without having to neces- sarily hire additional resources,” said Montgomery. “Tere is a lot that can be leveraged through your membership that adds value.” Te report centers its recommenda-


tions in four key areas: Programs and Initiatives, Training and Education, Resources and Best Practices, and


California Constructor


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