Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Program
NOVEMBER 2023
Erland
is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and community.
DE&I MISSION.
Our company strives to provide a work environment free from harassment, hazing, and bullying. We are committed to empowering, equipping, and encouraging our people to reach their full potential by building a caring, diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture.
CULTURE OF CARE COMMITMENT.
Erland is signatory to the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.’s Culture of Care Commitment. This means we are actively working to ensure that every employee has the opportunity to feel valued, respected, and heard.
COMMIT
ATTRACT RETAIN EMPOWER
DE&I STRATEGIC PLAN.
to hire and pay based on skill and experience regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation
prospective employees by creating inclusive workplaces that are free from harassment, hazing & bullying
high-performing employees by identifying & removing barriers to advancement
every employee to promote a culture of diversity & inclusion
In our ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for our people and the construction industry, we have created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. This plan, still in the works, is designed to be a living document that evolves alongside our organization, ensuring we remain at the forefront of positive change.
Cultivate a Diverse Subcontractor Network.
Goal: Actively identify, engage, and partner with a more diverse pool of subcontractors to promote inclusivity throughout our bidding process and project execution.
Outcomes:
Develop a comprehensive strategy for outreach and collaboration with Under-Represented Business Enterprises (UBE), including Minority, Women, Veteran, Disabled, Disadvantaged, and LGBTQ-owned subcontractor firms.
Establish clear diversity and inclusion criteria for subcontractor selection to ensure fair and equal opportunities for UBEs.
Monitor and report regularly on UBE subcontractor diversity metrics, using data to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
Invite at least one Under-Represented Business Enterprise (UBE)—including Minority, Women, Veteran, Disabled, Disadvantaged, or LGBTQ-owned subcontractor firms—to bid on each project.
Identify each invited Under-Represented Business Enterprise (UBE) subcontractor firm on the project’s bid tab and share this information with the client/owner to promote transparency and inclusion.
Create Inclusive Work Environments.
Goal: Build psychologically safe workplaces in our office and across our jobsites, where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
Outcomes:
Develop and implement anti-bias and cultural competency training for all employees.
Establish channels for anonymous feedback and reporting to address any instances of discrimination or bias.
Regularly assess and adjust policies and procedures to ensure they promote inclusivity and mitigate potential sources of bias.
Enhance Representation & Inclusivity.
Goal: Increase diversity across all levels of our organization, ensuring representation that reflects the varied composition of the communities we serve.
Outcomes:
Implement targeted recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse talent pool.
Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs to support the career growth of underrepresented employees.
Conduct regular diversity and inclusion training sessions for all staff members to foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
Foster Inclusive Leadership & Decision-Making.
Goal: Cultivate an inclusive leadership culture that values diverse perspectives and incorporates them into decision-making processes.
Outcomes:
Provide leadership development programs with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Establish diversity metrics for leadership roles and regularly assess progress.
Encourage open dialogue and idea-sharing through forums and platforms that amplify diverse voices in decision-making.
At our core, we believe that creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just an aspiration but a necessity. With this strategic plan as our guide, Erland is dedicated to taking intentional and measurable actions that will have a transformative impact on our company, the construction industry, and the communities where we operate.
Our DE&I Strategic Plan is more than just a document; it's a roadmap to a better future. It's a commitment to continuous growth, improvement, and progress, and it reflects our unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive construction industry for all.
WOMEN PAVING THE WAY.
Our organization is paving the way for inclusivity and diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry, setting a strong example for change. We’re proud to celebrate the impactful contributions of these women who are helping shape the future of construction.
At the forefront of this transformation are five exceptional women in leadership roles who inspire and guide our team towards innovation and excellence. They’ve repeatedly overcome adversity, proving that talent knows no gender, and have paved the way for their 11 female colleagues, who collectively form the backbone of our company.
These women can be found in various critical areas of our organization, from project management, where they excel in delivering successful projects, to accounting, where they maintain our financial health with precision and skill. Together, they have woven a vibrant tapestry of talent, determination, and dedication that continues to move our company forward. Their success is a testament to our commitment to equality and the belief that every individual, regardless of gender, has the potential to shape the future of the construction industry. We are honored to have them as a driving force behind our organization, and their stories inspire us all to reach new heights.
We encourage our team members to join industry associations, providing opportunities for continued growth and development outside of Erland’s in-house initiatives and programs. Many of our female employees are involved as a member with or actively serve on a committee of the following organizations:
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
LACED Wellness
National Association of Women in Construction
Professional Women in Construction
Women in Bio
WWIRE: Wellness for Women in Real Estate 11
MINORITY PARTICIPATION.
Erland has a comprehensive database of prequalified businesses under the category of Under-Represented Business Enterprises (UBE), which includes Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Disabled Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), and LGBTQ-owned businesses. Covering a diverse range of building trades, our database is enriched by partnerships with key organizations such as the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts, and other related entities. These collaborations strengthen our outreach efforts, enabling us to connect with a broad spectrum of qualified, diverse companies and providing them with meaningful opportunities to participate in the bidding process.
CO-OP PROGRAM.
As a forward-thinking construction management firm, we actively collaborate with multiple college and university co-op programs in the area to cultivate a diverse and skilled pool of students interested in our field. Through these partnerships, Erland aims to provide students with valuable insights and hands-on experience. By offering co-op opportunities, we not only contribute to the academic and professional development of students but also play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce in construction. Our commitment to partnering with educational institutions reflects our dedication to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where these individuals can learn, grow, and ultimately contribute to the continued success and innovation in the construction field. This strategic collaboration ensures that the next generation of construction professionals is well-prepared and equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.
EXTERNAL DE&I EFFORTS.
We actively participate in direct outreach activities throughout the year that emphasize community, diversity, and education and build awareness of the many types of construction careers.
Everett High School Seniors Tour the 4th Ave Residences at Northwest Park Project.
Erland welcomed seniors from Everett High School interested in joining the trades to the office for an educational presentation and tour of a construction site as a partnership with AGC’s Workforce Development Task Force. Several employees spoke about their career path and getting their foot in the door, current roles and responsibilities with the company, and the “life of a project”, providing a better understanding of the industry to the students. Following breakfast, the group got a behind-the-scenes look at our 4th Ave Residences at Northwest Park project from our field team and hands-on experience with engineering/survey equipment.
Erland Hosts AGC MA Building Advancement Externship Program.
Erland hosted a group of 18 STEAM educators and academic leaders from nearby trade and traditional high schools as part of AGC MA’s Building Advancement Externship. The program was created to enrich their understanding of the various occupations in commercial construction and relate core competencies in the industry to skills illustrated by their students. Erland team members presented their career paths and the company’s history and open shop business model. Our Coordination Department also demonstrated how laser scanning is utilized to secure measurements and clearances of existing spaces and can accurately determine what’s behind walls or above ceilings if as-builts are incomplete or unavailable, which is crucial information for any renovation project. This was Erland’s second time hosting the BAE program.
Metro South/West Trade + Construction Expo.
Erland employees Paul Driscoll and Kevin Driscoll had the opportunity to participate in the Metro South/West Trade + Construction Expo in Marlborough. With the construction industry facing a severe talent shortage, the event aimed to attract and educate high school students about the trade industry and potential job opportunities. Along with providing demonstrations of various surveying equipment and tools, the team discussed coordination software and shared their experiences with construction.