As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, let's pause for a moment to recognize the importance of being aware of the effects that discrimination can have on a person's mental health.
Discrimination can come in many forms and sometimes may seem somewhat impersonal to one person while being highly offensive to another. It's never acceptable in any form and research shows it does indeed have an impact on the mental health of the recipient of discrimination as well as those who are striving for equality and inclusion.
Diversity and inclusion has been a hot topic in the workplace as of late. For many reasons, businesses are taking action to build awareness and putting effort into doing more to ensure that equality is at the forefront of our minds.
Contractors are evaluating hiring practices more diligently, co-workers are being more aware of their colleagues that come from different backgrounds and the level of acceptance continues to trend in a positive direction. As we all know, as a society, we are not done and never can say we're done. Taking a step back to understand that we are all human, we all have challenges, we all deserve to be seen as equals can help to foster an environment where discrimination is less prevalent. When discrimination does occur it leaves its mark.
In an industry where only 10% of the workers are women, 30% of the industry are hispanic or latino, and 6% are black, and roughly 2% are asian - we need to remember to watch for the signs, notice the comments that one person may fire at another thinking that no harm was done, however the recipient may very well have experienced trauma from the discrimination.
The good news is that programs are being created and support from senior leadership among some of the industry's construction leading firms are behind the cause and supportive to break down walls that aim to divide us. Together, we need to keep moving forward.
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PeerAssist Author: Jul 1, 2024 7:44:29 PM
PeerAssist Author