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Dive brief:
- More than two-thirds of Contractors now offer anti-harassment training, a finding that suggests most construction companies recognize the importance of creating an inclusive workplace, according to a recent report from the Dodge Construction Network.
- Size matters when it comes to this type of construction training, the report concludes. While 69% of all companies offer anti-harassment training, 89% of large companies do. On the other hand, only 34% of small contractors carry out the practice.
- There was also a wide disparity between union and non-union shops: contractors who hire union workers are more than twice as likely (85%) to receive anti-harassment training as those who hire exclusively non-union workers (42%).
Diving knowledge:
Produced in partnership with CPWR, the Center for Construction Research and Training, the report found that despite the racist and sexist reputation of the industrycontractors are emphasizing tolerance and acceptance in workplaces through anti-harassment training.
Most of the companies that offer this training—60%—do it once a year. But a fifth only do so “when necessary”.
The on-demand approach could be problematic, however, as “the need may not always be apparent to those making the training decisions,” the report says. “Repetition also reinforces the message, and an investment in regular training can also signal to employees that company management takes this issue seriously.”
On this front, the division between union and non-union shops was also evident. It is much more common for contractors who hire exclusively non-union tradesmen to offer the training only when needed, rather than on a regular basis.
The types of anti-harassment training also varied by company size, with large companies being much more likely than medium or small companies to offer training on harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Among contractors offering anti-harassment training, almost all focus on sexual harassment, and less than three-quarters discuss gender identity. The percentage of companies covering the following topics is broken down as follows:
- Sexual harassment, 97%.
- Racial harassment, 94%.
- Bullying, 84%.
- Harassment due to sexual orientation, 77%.
- Harassment based on gender identity, 70%.
The report concluded that small businesses need more support from industry to provide this type of training. Given the shortage of skilled workers in the sector, according to the report, having a welcoming on-site culture is particularly important for worker retention, as small businesses likely benefit more from a greater focus in this area.
