COMMIT TO A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

By Autumn Cafiero Giusti

Earlier this year, AGC of America rolled out the Culture of CARE initiative. It’s a program that challenges companies to take a visible step to make sure their workplaces are free from harassment, hazing and bullying. CARE stands for Commit, Attract, Retain and Empower.

From there, the initiative provides tools and resources such as a model HR policy, suicide prevention info, training materials, jobsite posters and more. These help companies talk to their employees, subcontractors, owners and partners about how they can create that environment.

“We want to make sure companies know this is a continuous effort that requires a dedicated and ongoing commitment to maintaining a diverse, safe, welcoming and inclusive culture,” says Brynn Huneke, director of diversity and inclusion and member engagement, AGC of America.

The association officially launched the nationwide initiative in Las Vegas during its annual convention this past March but delayed the widespread rollout until May because of COVID-19. What those behind the initiative didn’t anticipate was how appropriate their timing would be, given the historic national discussions that unfolded this summer.

In just a few months since the rollout of the program, the number of companies taking the pledge has tripled – from 100 in May to nearly 400 in early October, with more companies taking the pledge every day.

“So far, we are very pleased with the positive response we’ve received to Culture of CARE,” Huneke says.

For the past few years, AGC of America has been working to develop a diversity and inclusion program it could implement on the national level. They ended up looking to the AGC of Washington and its Culture of CARE program. It launched on the state level in the spring of 2018.

On the national level, the Culture of CARE pledge is open to all companies in the construction industry, not just AGC members. “Beyond being the right thing to do, building an inclusive culture that allows employees to thrive is a competitive advantage for recruitment and retention efforts,” Huneke says, adding that the benefits of inclusivity include increased employee productivity, a safer work environment and more innovation.“If you want the best and brightest as a part of your company, make sure they are coming to work every day in an environment where they feel valued, respected and heard.”

Members of AGC Georgia’s Young Leadership Program are in the beginning stages of working to get more involved in this national effort and bring programming to local members. Over the past weeks, AGC Georgia has enjoyed promoting the names of firms that take the pledge through its e-newsletter, The Forum, and on its social media platforms.

Thank you to our Culture of CARE early adopters:

• American Global

• Augusta Industrial Services

• Barnsley Construction Group

• The Beck Group

• Bobby Taylor Painting Holdings, Inc.

• Brent Darnell International

• Caddell Construction Co.

• Carroll Daniel Construction

• Collins and Arnold Construction Company, LLC

• Crane Industry Services, Inc.

• Delta Metals, Inc.

• Fastenal

• Gilbane Building Company

• Juneau Construction Co.

• McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

• MetroPower

• New South Construction Co.

• Performance Contracting Group

• Turner Construction Company

AGC Georgia member firms are encouraged to take the Culture of CARE pledge. Visit https://buildculture.org.

Members wanting to get more engaged in the discussion are encouraged to reach out to Machell Harper, director of member services and liaison to the YLP. ■