This month we kicked off our Global Social Responsibility (GSR) series spotlighting people who bring their authentic selves to work every day in a blog series called Be a Pillar. In this post, we focus on practicing inclusivity in the workplace.

Amid a global pandemic, a group of general contractors, including DPR, created a consortium titled “Time for Change” with a single purpose: identifying ways to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in construction. At DPR, we want to create a workplace environment that allows everyone to be their authentic selves. We asked employees across DPR to share what inclusivity means to them, and how they practice it in the workplace.

Kevin Chen, Operations

"Inclusivity is important because it creates equal opportunities for each team member to contribute with their unique individuality."

In construction, we solve unique challenges each and every day; it is fundamental that our team members feel safe, valued and comfortable to share their own perspectives. On our projects, we practice a listen first approach, allowing for each person’s ideas to be heard before we make decisions as a team. This creates a workplace culture of feeling valued and safe, while developing positive relationships and growth opportunities for each person on our team .Inclusivity is important because it creates equal opportunities for each team member to contribute with their unique individuality.

Mirian Martinez, Take Care of People

"I strive to promote inclusivity at DPR by seeking ways in which I can take full advantage of being bilingual to help make our existing and future resources more accessible to everyone within and beyond our business unit."

Inclusivity in the workplace is important and necessary to allow everyone within the organization to feel empowered to use their voices and have a sense of belonging and trust. Personally, I strive to promote inclusivity at DPR by seeking ways in which I can take full advantage of being bilingual to help make our existing and future resources more accessible to everyone within and beyond our business unit. Having a great organization starts with finding our similarities and celebrating our differences.

Patrice G. Haley, Supplier Diversity

"I practice inclusion by getting to know my team, the project teams with which we work, and intentionally creating space that embraces their individuality."

Inclusion is important in the workplace because being ‘seen’ as one’s authentic self creates better experiences for employees, colleagues and customers. Better experiences enhance enjoyment and translate a job one has, into a career that one loves. I practice inclusion by getting to know my team, the project teams with which we work, and intentionally creating space that embraces their individuality. No one person or team has the same needs or ambitions. I choose to explore and embrace those differences at every opportunity.

Ruth Scott, Risk

"To be inclusive in the workplace, I recognize I have biases, I acknowledge my own discomfort and then push it aside."

Inclusivity is respecting EVERY individual, despite how perceived differences can make us uncomfortable. To be inclusive in the workplace, I recognize I have biases, I acknowledge my own discomfort and then push it aside. When we respect the individual, we create spaces that make people feel more comfortable to open up and share. I try to be as curious as possible and I don’t let any mistakes stop me from trying.

Ryan Poole, Sustainability

"Take time to evaluate who is in the room to ensure you have diversity of thought, encourage everyone to speak their mind, provide resources that support individuals in their journey, and create a healthy environment that elevates both physical and mental wellness."

Inclusivity is not only thinking about how people interact with each other but also how we interact with our surrounding environment and the resources we provide. We spend the vast majority of our lives in the workplace, it’s our second family, and making sure EVERYONE feels at home and safe is vital to our success. Take time to evaluate who is in the room to ensure you have diversity of thought, encourage everyone to speak their mind, provide resources that support individuals in their journey, and create a healthy environment that elevates both physical and mental wellness.

Truman Burke, Claims/Insurance

"Inclusivity in the workplace means giving a voice to all employees."

When I feel heard, I make more of an effort. I'm at my best and I want to keep doing what's best for my team and the company. Inclusivity in the workplace means giving a voice to all employees.