CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, has become a buzz-word in companies over the past few years and there has been a definite transformation recently towards companies (and individuals) having a genuine interest and actively looking to be involved in such projects. Yet how many employers still undertake CSR just to list it on their annual report or add it to their tender submission?
In my world, while there are indeed organisations that are starting to make a difference, there are many more that just talk about it.
A recent study by CITB ConstructionSkills stated that an extra 88,400 construction staff need to be recruited annually between now and 2012. In an industry riddled with such severe skills shortages, it is only natural that talk then turns to new avenues for suitable recruits.
Ten years ago we focused on women. The issue was highlighted and campaigns were put in place to encourage women to enter the industry. Today, most employers jump at the chance of employing a qualified and experienced woman. While this signals a positive change in attitude, it also demonstrates that this is far from commonplace and that women are still a rarity in many disciplines.
Following suit, ex-offenders are coming to the fore as another potential source of workers. In some companies ex-offenders aren’t even allowed through the door, let alone contracted to start work. Studies show that 90% of offenders don’t re-offend if they have a job already in place upon release, and that the average annual cost of keeping a prisoner now exceeds £40,000. The social benefits of employing ex-offenders could be huge.
Equally, it is important to remember that although there will undoubtedly be a win for society, any companies which recognise this opportunity can also benefit. Hard-working, skilled and reliable may not be the words that you would initially associate with an ex-offender, but is often the case.
Tackling the issue of diversity, working to promote construction to school children, encouraging graduates to enter the industry and other similar activity shouldn’t just be about ticking a box on a CSR sheet. We need to be realistic. Large numbers of workers are needed for the construction industry and it is to everyone’s advantage that we see less talk and more action.
Tim Cook, Managing Director of Hays Construction
Comments (2)
I agree that many companies are still paying only cursory attention to cause marketing and using simple tricks to check it off their to-do list. However, there are enormous opportunities for the construction industry to make it work for companies, employees and communities - much more than lip service. For example, how about developing a mentoring relationship with halfway houses for ex-offenders or skills training sessions for the incarcerated? Better yet, look at literacy and vocational training for young men in high risk communities to get them on the job and off the streets BEFORE they become offenders?
Posted by Kim Carpenter Drake | April 3, 2008 3:45 AM
Posted on April 3, 2008 03:45
there are some great projects and programmes listed on this website that provide CSR solutions if you are interested www.csrprojects
thanks, Tim
Posted by Tim | April 3, 2008 12:58 PM
Posted on April 3, 2008 12:58