JANUARY - MARCH - 2025CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM8IN MYOPINIONSince 2020, we've seen DEI become more commonplace in our ev-eryday language ­ from corporations posting blank squares on Insta-gram for #BlackOutTuesday, to organi-zations publicly touting their one-time financial donations to orgs supporting Black lives, to even companies having a sudden need to hire an influx of DEI practitioners and create many Chief Diversity Officer roles. Despite these efforts, in 2023, many DEI strategies are failing. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, I want to explore why DEI isn't working and opportunities to correct it. 1. Reactive vs ProactiveMany of the DEI goals and initiatives set in 2020 came in response to the climate of our society. In America, we witnessed the murder of George Floyd, one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history, and increased social unrest, all while navigating through an unprecedented global pandemic. Based on this climate, many companies reacted and created inflated, overambitious DEI goals, coated with bold, lofty company statements. However, once the dust settled, many of these became unfulfilled, abandoned promises. It is imperative for DEI to be intentional, or it will not work. Period. Create authentic, genuine goals. Be forward. Be intentional. Reactive goals lack substance and will ultimately lead to failure. 2. DEI Operates in a VacuumOftentimes, the work of DEI strategy and implementation falls on the shoulders of a few chosen individuals, many times as a labor of love. This "siloization" of DEI restricts full implementation and growth throughout an organization. While DEI is a top priority for those select few, it remains business as usual for the remainder of an organization. This stifles growth. Until this accountability is realized and accepted company-wide, the DEI efforts will only go as far as the capacities of the folks carrying it. Also, your DEI Kendall WilliamsonWHY DEI ISN'T WORKING IN YOUR COMPANY... AND HOW TO FIX ITBy Kendall Williamson, Regional Manager of Community and Industry Engagement, AECOM Hunt
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