As Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) entered its fourth year, industry leaders and workers across the U.S. and globally engaged in conversations and activities aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This year’s annual event took place October 14-18, 2024, and involved thousands of participating firms, including general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, federal departments, and educational institutions. Engagement covered all 50 states and 80 percent of the ENR Top 50 Contractors, as well as global participation spanning Canada to Mexico, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
In a time when national and political climates are dialing back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, CIW's founders — including McCarthy Building Companies, Turner Construction, Clark Construction Group, SmootDC, Gilbane Building Company, DPR Construction, and Mortenson — urged the construction industry to remain steadfast, understanding that inclusion is not a trend, but a core strategy for fostering innovation, resilience, and the future of work.
“The construction industry’s most valuable asset is its workforce,” said Ray Sedey, CEO of McCarthy Building Companies and CIW 2024 Co-Chair. “Our ability to continue to build and sustain the talent pipeline hinges on our ability to provide people with a great place to work. Construction Inclusion Week resources and activities give us the tools we need to create an inclusive culture that current and future generations of the construction workforce deserve.”
As the industry grapples with labor shortages and shifting demographics, the event promoted conversations aimed at having a lasting impact on recruitment, retention, and career development.
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Workforce development was a key focus of CIW 2024. The week’s activities highlighted the importance of creating pathways for underrepresented communities to enter and thrive in construction careers as well as entrepreneurship as diverse suppliers, driving economic inclusion.
Daily themes strove to guide participants through meaningful inclusion and belonging focused discussions. The five themes covered:
- Commitment and accountability, emphasizing the role that personal accountability plays in building inclusive environments
- Belonging, with a focus on understanding how a sense of belonging can enhance team dynamics and productivity
- Supplier diversity, striving to expand opportunities for diverse suppliers through education on financials and procurement practices
- Respectful workplaces, creating safe environments where every worker can thrive
- Community engagement, reinforcing the role of the construction industry in workforce development and uplifting local communities
To access free educational resources from the event, including toolbox talks and videos designed to promote inclusion on job sites and in offices, visit constructioninclusionweek.com.
