Willmott Dixon has come 3rd in the Financial Times (FT’s) inaugural list of European leaders for workplace diversity and inclusion, featuring prominently in the FT’s Diversity Leaders supplement
The company performed so well due to its approach for inclusivity. Wilmott Dixon was the highest ranked in the UK, out of 700 in total, and came above the likes of Ikea, Google and Tesla.
The FT’s Diversity Leaders explores the growing importance companies need to play to ensure they provide an inclusive and diverse workplace where individuals feel valued.
A survey of more than 80,000 employees was undertaken across various countries to identify the FT’s Diversity Leaders 2020. This included surveying the performance of 10,000 privately held and publicly listed companies employing at least 250 people. Willmott Dixon scored particularly high on ethnicity, gender and age in the survey.
Companies are increasingly coming under pressure to demonstrate how their activities affect society and communities. Therefore the FT Diversity Leaders is an important benchmark for business performance and how businesses treat their own people.
Willmott Dixons workforce priorities
Tackling the balance of gender in its workforce is a huge priority for Willmott Dixon, with a commitment to achieve gender parity by 2030. This is key as the industry is facing a skills shortage, so broadening the talent pool available is fundamental to ensure a sustainable flow of future skills.
The FT’s Diversity Leaders is the third major national accolade this year for Willmott Dixon. It also ranked 4th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for and won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Sustainable Development.
Rick Willmott, group chief executive said: “I was very proud to see Willmott Dixon representing both the construction industry and the UK in being a top five company in this pan-European list of diversity leaders.
“I strongly believe that successful companies are those that provide a diverse and inclusive environment where people feel challenged, contented and included within complementary teams.
“The FT’s survey shines a welcome spotlight on the business imperative of workplace diversity which will serve as an inspiration to us in how we continue to be a company where our people feel valued and a key part of our growth.”
Willmott Dixon is behind many national infrastructure projects and has secured several upcoming projects such as the £33m Warwick Arts Centre and the £12.5m contract for accommodation in Ashby de la Zouch. It has also been praised for recycling single-use plastic into roads.
