A diverse work community is a strength of the construction industry. Yet surveys in the industry continue to highlight discrimination, sexual harassment, racism and inappropriate treatment. The Finnish Construction Industry Federation (RT), companies and personnel organizations want to build a culture on construction sites where everyone can do their job safely, with respect and as their own person.
The construction industry needs all kinds of experts
Director of Communications and Responsibility at the Finnish Construction Industry Association (RT) Merja Vuoripuro says that RT has been working on responsibility for over 20 years. Alongside occupational safety, combating the grey economy and environmental issues, employee well-being, equality and diversity have emerged as important themes.
"A change is underway in the work culture. Many companies have already made long-term efforts to promote equality, equity and diversity. Both large corporations and SMEs have recognized that taking people into account and a good management culture is a competitive advantage," says Vuoripuro.
“It’s not just about values. The goal is to create a leadership and work culture where everyone can feel like they belong and are accepted for who they are.”
Women are still a minority in the construction industry, although their numbers in management, design, expert positions and business management are constantly growing. At the same time, the young age groups are shrinking and competition for talent is intensifying. The industry must be attractive to as many people as possible.
A good construction site culture is a competitive advantage
It is known that diverse work communities utilize different perspectives more effectively, which is reflected in decision-making, collaboration and problem-solving. A fair workplace engages personnel.
"When an employer is fair and just and enables employees to develop their skills and advance in their careers, people are less likely to leave the company," Vuoripuro says.
A safe and equal work environment is not only a personnel benefit but also a business strength. Good talent seeks out companies where they are valued and where the work atmosphere supports success.
The future of the construction industry needs the best experts
Skanska HR Business Partner Kaisa Kuvanton According to the construction industry, it cannot afford to leave all its talent potential untapped. We need a skilled workforce, so the industry must be attractive to a wide range of talent, regardless of gender, age or nationality.
“We need contributors. We need the best people. Ultimately, it’s about everyone feeling like they belong in our work community as themselves and being able to work with their own strengths. Different perspectives produce a better end result and thus excellent solutions for our customers.”
At Skanska, a good work culture is reinforced through ethical guidelines, training, and, for example, rules of professional conduct. “We actively monitor employee experience through employee surveys, an inappropriate treatment survey, and State of Inclusion measurements,” says Kaisa Kuvanto.
Subcontractors are also required to commit to the company's ethical rules. Inappropriate behavior is dealt with at a low threshold. According to Kuvanto, survey results show that things are improving.
"Equal treatment and equal processes are essential in these matters. The most important thing is always to intervene."
According to Kuvanto, a safe work environment is created by good leadership and common rules of the game. The experience of inclusion comes from the feeling of being part of a work community and that one's views and work input are valued. "A work community should be one where people can be heard, learn from each other and do their work well. This is how innovations, new ways of working and development are created," Kuvanto reflects.
A safe working environment frees up expertise
Eastern Finland Regional Director of Rakennusliike Lapti Oy Nora Sokero reminds us that a safe working environment is not created solely from instructions or operating models.
“The atmosphere is crucial. In a safe environment, everyone can be themselves and showcase their expertise.”
Success in construction projects is based on collaboration. On construction sites, the experience and insight of designers, supervisors, workers and partners are needed. If there is a lack of safety, some of this valuable information may not be utilized.
According to Sokero, inappropriate behavior should never be ignored. “It doesn’t go away by being forgotten, but gradually begins to erode the work community.”
Changing a culture doesn't always require big moves. Sometimes it's enough for someone to dare to intervene in a situation in time. "Usually all it takes is one person who dares to say: Hey, this is not okay."
Sokero also emphasizes that mental safety is as essential a part of occupational well-being and occupational safety as physical safety.
He says that a good work atmosphere is hard to find in a time when competition for skilled workers is becoming increasingly fierce. “Good people have options. The atmosphere of the work community influences where they want to work.”
Zero tolerance for harassment and inappropriate treatment
Construction work communities are more diverse than before. This enriches work communities, but at the same time emphasizes the importance of common rules of the game.
CEO of the Association of Finnish Masters and Engineers of Finnish Universities (RKL) Diana Råman reminds us that discrimination, harassment and inappropriate behavior are phenomena that must be addressed immediately.
"If there's even one weed there, it ruins the atmosphere. If we don't deal with it immediately, we'll soon have many weeds."
Råman emphasizes that the construction industry must speak with one voice on this issue. “We have zero tolerance for workplace accidents. We must also have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior.”
Absence is caring
According to Råman, every member of the work community has a responsibility to intervene in inappropriate behavior.
“Indifference is caring. Silence can easily be interpreted as approval. That is why disruptive situations must be responded to as soon as they are noticed. When you witness inappropriate behavior and remain silent, you are, in a way, allowing it.”
Experiences gained at work don't stay at the construction site gate. "Both good and bad feelings are carried home. Which one would you take with you when the work is over?" Råman asks.
A good day at work is reflected in coping, motivation and teamwork. Bad treatment, in turn, affects a person's well-being outside of working hours.
Professionalism also includes good behavior
In the construction industry, there is a lot of talk about quality, safety and professionalism. Good behavior is also part of the toolkit.
Diana Råman believes that a good construction site culture is built on the daily choices of every employee, supervisor and manager, the way they approach new employees, discussions and the ability to boldly intervene in situations when something is not right.
“Every employee is the company's calling card,” Råman summarizes.
We build work communities
The construction industry needs new people, new perspectives, and new ideas. It needs young people, women and men, with different skills and backgrounds.
Noora Sokero reminds us that the construction industry is much more than a single construction site or construction project.
“The things we do here have a very tangible impact on the society we live in. Roads, schools, hospitals and residential areas are created as a result of people’s work.”
The construction industry offers the opportunity to see the tangible results of one's work. "It's great to see buildings, residential areas and roads come to life through people."
According to Sokero, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and learning new things in the industry. “There are so many different career paths here. If one area starts to feel too familiar, there are always new opportunities to develop yourself.”
The future of the construction industry will not be decided by machines, materials or new technology alone. It will be decided by people. That is why equality, non-discrimination, good leadership and respect for others are as important as occupational safety, quality and professionalism.
Every day we build houses, roads and society. At the same time, we build work communities where everyone should be able to do their job with respect, safety and joy. That is the most important foundation for the future of the construction industry.
5 principles of good construction site culture
- Treat everyone with respect.
- Intervene immediately if inappropriate behavior occurs.
- Listen to different views.
- Create a safe atmosphere for discussion.
- Remember that good manners are part of professionalism.
Text by Heikki Luukkonen