Training Development for DEI and Psychological Safety in Construction

The construction industry has a severe workforce shortage compounded with historical diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington developed a culture to commit, attract, retain, and empower (CARE) construction workers in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Shortly, the AGC of America adopted the culture of CARE and began actively working to ensure construction workers feel valued, respected, and heard. At the same time, psychological safety emerged in conversations that construction workers should feel safe and be able to speak up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. As a result, many construction companies took a pledge and sought training for construction workers. This paper aims to present a training development for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and psychological safety in construction. The authors collected data from multiple construction companies that were leaders in developing resources for DEI training. The authors analyzed scenarios collected from real-world construction projects, synthesized them in case studies, and prepared manuals for trainees and trainers. The developed manuals are publicly available for corporate trainers and university educators to train construction workers and students. The training positively impacts the DEI-built environment and workforce development.