Advancing Gender Equity in the Industry:
Translating Thought into Action
In December 2024, ACEC-BC hosted a Leadership Workshop on Advancing Gender Equity in the Workplace, bringing together industry leaders to explore key challenges and opportunities in fostering gender equity. The discussion explored five critical areas for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace to advance gender equity: Empowering ERGs, Mentorship for Under-Represented Groups, Anti-Microaggression Practices and Policies, Activating Allies, and Effective Gender-Inclusive Policies.
Through the workshop discussion exploring each of the five critical areas, the following common themes emerged, identifying solutions and pathways to support these critical areas:
1) Foster Open Communication
Create an environment where employees feel safe to speak up about their experiences and where feedback is actively sought and acted upon.
2) Allocate Resources
Ensure that sufficient time and budget are dedicated to developing, implementing, and maintaining inclusive policies and practices, including support for ERGs and other EDI initiatives.
3) Leadership and Commitment
Strong support from senior leadership is crucial. Leaders must model inclusive behaviors, allocate resources, and embed equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) competencies throughout the organization.
- Model Inclusive Behaviors: Lead by example, demonstrating commitment to equity and inclusion in everyday actions. This includes showing up, participating, and engaging in conversation.
4) Education and Training
Across all areas, the need for regular, consistent education and training is emphasized. This includes educating employees about microaggressions, training allies to recognize and combat bias, and informing managers about available policies and how to support their teams.
- Champion Education and Training: Invest in comprehensive training programs to educate employees at all levels about microaggressions, allyship, ERGs, and gender-inclusive policies.
5) Clear Policies and Practices
Establishing clear, accessible policies is essential. This includes creating supportive practices for employees accessing these policies and ensuring that policies are regularly reviewed and updated.
- Normalization and Encouragement: Normalizing the use of inclusive policies, empowering ERGs, and encouraging open communication helps to reduce stigma and promote a culture of respect and support.
6) Measurement and Accountability
Implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and conducting industry surveys to establish baselines and track progress ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
- Measure and Report Progress: Establish clear metrics to track the effectiveness of policies and practices, and transparently report on progress to stakeholders.
As leaders work to advance workplace equity, it’s essential to maintain a continuous improvement mindset. Focus on progress rather than perfection, ensuring that the pursuit of excellence doesn’t become a barrier.
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