Weitz Continues Company Commitment to DEI During Industrywide Construction Inclusion Week
Des Moines, Iowa – In recognition of the recent Construction Inclusion Week, Weitz team members nationwide participated in daily educational discussions centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the construction industry. These discussions mark just one of many ways The Weitz Company has brought diversity and inclusion to the forefront of its company culture.
Founded in 2021, Construction Inclusion Week began with a mission to improve diversity and inclusion within the construction industry by expanding resources and building awareness. The campaign encourages general contractors, specialty contractors, trade partners, and suppliers in the industry to use the week to foster thoughtful conversations and provide their employees and team members with educational resources emphasizing the importance of a more inclusive construction industry. The Weitz Company has participated in Construction Inclusion Week each October since the campaign’s inception.
Throughout the week, Weitz team members tackled the following topics:
- Day 1 – Commitment and Accountability
- Day 2 – Belonging
- Day 3 – Supplier Diversity
- Day 4 – Workplace Culture
- Day 5 – Community Engagement
Every morning of the week-long celebration, team members received a message from company leadership introducing the day’s focus and providing additional resources. This content was tailored to both office and jobsite personnel to ensure all team members walked away with the most applicable tools. In addition to these materials, Weitz team members came together in their own workplaces to share about their experiences around diversity and inclusion.
In recent years, The Weitz Company has intentionally expanded its DEI practices. In the fall of 2020, Weitz deployed a DEI Council compromised of employees from the company’s business units. Employees volunteer to serve a two-year term as the DEI ambassador within their respective offices. This council is led by a Steering Committee comprised of key members of the company’s leadership team who oversee the DEI Council’s vision and strategy.
“Our team cast a vision for our workforce to reflect the communities and customers we serve, with an ultimate goal of inclusion for all. And so began our purposeful journey to increase our investment in and pursuit of elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization.”
Kevin McClain, President and CEO of The Weitz Company
In tune with the goals of Construction Inclusion Week, the Weitz DEI Council spearheads initiatives to cultivate an inclusive culture and ensure employees feel a genuine sense of belonging. The council is focused on engaging and mobilizing the Weitz workforce to make meaningful change in our communities and industry. While Construction Inclusion Week is just one week out of the year, the DEI Council works all year to help The Weitz Company do its part to build a brighter, more inclusive industry.
