{"id":1684,"date":"2020-10-09T13:17:40","date_gmt":"2020-10-09T20:17:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spencerwebgroup.com\/beta\/new-realities-diversity-equity-and-inclusion\/"},"modified":"2021-08-02T19:37:02","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T19:37:02","slug":"new-realities-diversity-equity-and-inclusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cameronmacallister.com\/new-realities-diversity-equity-and-inclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"New Realities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, design, architecture, engineering, and construction companies across the world have adjusted to the myriad personal and professional challenges of remote work. In addition, the outcry for social justice sparked by police brutality against the African American community has set off global protests that continue even today. For many company leaders, this has led to critical and sometimes challenging conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their companies, communities, and the industry as a whole.<\/p>\n

To gain more in-depth insight into how our industry is addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and what strategies companies are employing, Cameron MacAllister Group conducted a nationwide study of AEC firm leaders. Seventy-seven leaders from architecture, engineering, multidisciplinary, and construction companies from all regions of the country participated in the online survey, which was open from September 11 to September 21. Participating organizations ranged in size from fewer than 25 people to more than 500.<\/p>\n

Below are some findings from the survey. The full research report can be downloaded here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Motivation as it Relates to DEI
\n<\/strong>The survey revealed that issues surrounding DEI have become important to design and construction practices, and it wasn\u2019t exclusively because the client marketplace is demanding they be addressed. More than one-third of the organizations surveyed said they wanted to enrich their work by including a greater range of voices and viewpoints, and approximately one-third believe that embracing DEI issues is critical to the future of their organization. Some of the respondents also recognized the inherent challenges of that endeavor.<\/p>\n

Steps Taken to Address DEI
\n<\/strong>While one in four organizations are still working out how to address DEI, the survey revealed that the majority of companies are engaged in one or more activities to move the needle within their respective organization. Most are actively working on making change through creating a DEI group in their company, implementing more inclusive personnel policies, and\/or conducting training programs to increase awareness. One-third have reached out to their communities in advocacy of social and racial justice.<\/p>\n

Biggest Challenges with DEI Programs
\n<\/strong>While most respondents recognized the critical importance of implementing a DEI initiative, they are also grappling with the economic realities our industry is facing. This is made even more challenging if there is little agreement internally about how to proceed. Many of the \u201cother\u201d responses detailed difficulties in how to move forward with changes in DEI. For one in ten, doing something about DEI \u201cis not an issue for us now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Most Effective Actions Taken in Addressing DEI
\n<\/strong>Nearly one-third of the organizations surveyed identified more than one activity that helped ensure success in addressing DEI issues in their companies. This included:<\/p>\n