As the U.S. workforce continues to evolve, becoming more diverse in the process, so too must our industry. A diversifying workforce is not only inevitable, it is necessary to remain competitive. After all, a diverse workforce make businesses more competitive by bringing different perspectives and experiences to the table, helping to strengthen any company’s culture. The industry proudly recognized “Women in Construction Week” earlier this month. While the annual celebration always goes a long way in raising awareness for diversity and the recognition of trailblazing females in our industry, the reality is that building paths for a diversified workforce in a traditionally male-dominated industry must be a year-round initiative, not just a week-long effort.
As a female leader with more than 30 years in the HVAC industry, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that a diverse and inclusive workplace can have on employers, employees and company growth. So how can our industry better recruit, retain and support women and people of other diverse backgrounds? Whether you’re an industry veteran or a young professional just getting started in your career, everyone must play a role in creating an industry that is inclusive for all.