Successful Diversity Week Turns into a New Strategic Direction
The Client
“I’m glad to say that diversity is here to stay. You helped turn our diversity day into a diversity week. In fact, the Chairman of the Board said that this was the best teambuilding initiative ever in the history of the company.”
Cathy Stephen, Regional Director of Human Resources
Gilbane Building Company is a leading construction management firm, providing a full slate of facilities-related services for clients across many industries. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-run company, Gilbane's annual revenues now top $3.5 billion.
The Goals
Gilbane sees its diverse mix of 2,000 employees as the key to its success. The company recognized that enhancing awareness of its diversity would strengthen employee satisfaction, productivity, team collaboration, and ultimately profitability.
The Solution
Gilbane engaged Lisa Koss of International Advantage to guide planners in creating its first Diversity event. Lisa brought an in-depth knowledge and understanding of diversity to transform a group of volunteers to a veritable team, to educate Gilbane on diversity best practices, and to develop a framework for the company to act on its ideas.
With Lisa’s guidance and support, the team felt empowered to expand the event to a full week, instead of just one day, and provided the tools to organize their initiative. Throughout the process, Lisa supported the Regional Director of Human Resources in this major initiative. The end-of-week, culminating keynote address to 1,700 employees by Lisa received rave reviews from employees and executives.
“Your keynote message was spot on,” said Cathy Stephen, Regional Director of Human Resources. “The feedback we received from the region, the president, the board of directors, even the owners, was nothing but extremely positive. And on top of being a great success, the activities and your keynote address were really fun! In fact, the Chairman of the Board said that this was the best teambuilding initiative ever in the history of the company.”
The Strategic Advantage
With the success of the first-ever diversity event, Gilbane decided to make diversity a key, ongoing strategy within the organization – driving companywide productivity and employee satisfaction.
“The event was such a success, we’ve decided to move forward with a strategic direction because of the success of the event,” Stephen said.