Training program geared to change disrespectful jobsite cultures

A new program is available to help construction companies improve their jobsite culture and create a welcoming environment for all workers.

Respect Works was developed by the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU , in partnership with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Oregon Department of Transportation . The evidence-based training program is free for Oregon-based construction businesses that employ registered apprentices.

For more than a decade, ODOT and BOLI have worked together to bolster the recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented individuals into the trades. Program evaluations conducted by the two agencies revealed that workers were leaving the industry at uneven rates, indicating that many were experiencing workplace conditions that discouraged long‑term retention. This was caused by widespread experiences of disrespect, harassment and exclusion at the jobsite, according to the agencies.

The Associated General Contractors of America estimates that exclusionary workplace conduct costs construction companies an average of $137,000 annually in lost productivity, according to a press release issued by BOLI. Additionally, research has found that nearly half of employees who experience incivility at work decreased their effort and time spent at work, according to a 2013 report by Christine Porath and Christine Pearson. ODOT and BOLI concluded that diversifying the workforce to meet labor needs would not succeed without changing jobsite culture.

Beginning in 2022, BOLI and ODOT commissioned the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences to design a survey capable of measuring respectful workplace climate and culture in construction. In 2023, the research project expanded to include the development of training and jobsite resources.

Now, Respect Works includes a step-by-step guide for implementing respectful workplace practices at the company and jobsite levels; a respectful workplace jobsite survey to measure behavior at the organization, supervisor and co-worker levels; jobsite leader training, which is built on the four elements of a respectful workplace: psychological safety, civility and professionalism, a welcome atmosphere, and fairness for all; and workplace resources including policy templates, checklists, toolbox talks and worksheets.

Oregon construction companies can seek a free, confidential consultation by emailing [email protected] or visiting www.respectfulworkplaces.org.

Training program geared to change disrespectful jobsite cultures

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