New guide gives construction employers a blueprint to build positive workplace culture
May 02 2024 - 9:40AM
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) has
released a best practice guide with tips and strategies to help
build a more positive workplace culture on construction sites,
improve satisfaction of employees and boost productivity.
“Construction employers and other industry stakeholders have a
moral obligation to cultivate a positive and collaborative
workplace culture as well as a legal responsibility to safeguard
workers from acts of racism, harassment and violence in the
workplace,” explains RESCON president Richard Lyall. “This best
practice guide will help them understand why it is critical to have
a corporate environment where teamwork, safety and efficiency are
paramount, and how it can benefit them both from a safety
perspective and financially.
“A positive workplace culture is not only crucial for the mental
health and overall safety of employees on a construction worksite,
but it is also a legal obligation that employers must fulfill.
RESCON members are committed to safeguarding workers and fostering
their well-being.”
The nine-page guide outlines the strategic advantages of
promoting a positive workplace culture and provides tactics on how
to lay the foundations for change by cultivating conflict
resolution skills, addressing contentious topics, creating buy-in
and facilitating open communication spaces. It also offers tips for
toolbox talks and what to do before, during and after a talk.
Meanwhile, the guide explains where employers can find tools and
materials to help with the process. Some of those tools include the
RESCON Care Committee, BuildForce online courses here and here,
IHSA toolbox talks, and the Canadian Construction Association call
to action.
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA), employers are legally required to have a policy
that addresses workplace violence and harassment and conduct an
annual review of the document. In instances of workplace harassment
at sites, work-related events, or within the workplace, employers,
supervisors and workers can be held accountable under the OHSA and
human rights code.
“This highlights the importance of having a plan to create and
sustain a positive workplace culture that is free from
discriminatory practices and fosters well-being and belonging,”
says RESCON VP Andrew Pariser. “It is widely accepted and proven
that diversity improves workplace culture, productivity and
employee satisfaction. By focusing on what unites us as an industry
and celebrating what brings us together, employers and the
construction industry can address the looming labour shortage and
build the residential units Ontarians need.”
Research has shown that investing in a positive workplace
culture with a supportive and inclusive environment boosts employee
morale and productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Click here for the guide.
Quick Facts
- RESCON members are leaders in the construction community when
it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion and the fight against
racism and discrimination.
- The best practice guide builds on earlier work done by RESCON
and other industry groups and organizations to positively influence
a culture shift within construction.
- RESCON and its members spearheaded formation of a Construction
Against Racism Everywhere campaign that was launched in 2020, held
roundtables and developed templates to help builders create
policies and promote best workplace practices.
- In 2021, RESCON joined other contractor groups, unions and
employers in signing a Declaration of Inclusive Workplaces and
Communities in the City of Toronto.
RESCON is the province’s leading association of residential
builders committed to providing leadership and fostering innovation
in the industry.
- RESCON Best Practice Guide
Grant Cameron
RESCON
905-638-1706
media@rescon.com