Embracing Diversity and Excellence
A Glimpse into Emil Anderson Group’s Inclusive Future
Written by: Crystal Alseth – Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Emil Anderson Group – BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Builders Code 2025 Champion Award winner in Recruitment, Hiring and Retention.
In 1938, Emil Anderson laid the foundation of what would grow into an extraordinary company, marked by its commitment to a “people first and focused” culture. As a family-owned and operated organization, we’ve always placed a premium on fostering an environment of respect and inclusion, even in an industry that hasn’t always been synonymous with diversity.
The construction industry is the backbone of our society, shaping our homes, offices, and infrastructure. Despite its vital role, it faces challenges in terms of safety, efficiency, and reputation. This is where the BCCA Builders Code steps in—a transformative initiative that aims to elevate standards and cultivate a more inclusive atmosphere across the construction landscape.
At Emil Anderson Group, the principles of inclusivity and respect have always been at our core, but it was our partnership with Builders Code that truly unlocked the potential of these values. The initiative not only reshaped our organizational culture but also reinforced our core values, heralding a period of transformation and innovation within our company.
Builders Code became more than just a training resource; it was a beacon guiding us towards an inclusive and thriving workplace. Through their indispensable tools and resources, we identified areas for improvement and felt empowered to enact meaningful change.
Our diverse initiatives have set a new benchmark in the construction industry, and we’re proud to announce that our commitment to diversity has recently garnered us the Recruitment and Retention Champion Award. This accolade is a testament to the success of our diversity and inclusion initiatives, which align closely with the Builders Code’s vision.
Among these initiatives, we mandated respectful onsite training that has been instrumental in raising awareness and transforming behaviors across our teams. We’ve also made significant strides in supporting underrepresented groups through two key initiatives:
- Our Indigenous Relationships department focuses on building and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities—a collaboration we deeply value and recognize as essential to our growth and mutual success. Through these partnerships, we aim to create opportunities, understanding, and shared benefits for both our organization and the communities we engage with.
- Additionally, our “Women of Emil Anderson Group” initiative provides a supportive and empowering environment for women within our organization. This initiative actively addresses the industry’s gender disparity by focusing on recruiting, retaining, and empowering women, ensuring they thrive in a field where they have traditionally been underrepresented.
By adhering to the Builders Code principles, we’ve enhanced psychological safety within our teams, leading to more efficient operations and successful project completion. Builders Code isn’t just a compliance guideline; it’s a philosophy that transforms company culture. It’s been an unwavering guide on our journey toward a workplace where every individual’s contribution is celebrated.
For businesses seeking to cultivate a respectful and thriving work environment, Builders Code is an invaluable ally. It’s an investment in people, culture, and future growth, offering returns that resonate in both tangible and intangible ways.
Join us at Emil Anderson Group as we build an inclusive future, with Builders Code lighting the way. Our journey continues, driven by our commitment to diversity and excellence, with an award to prove it.
