Summary

In this episode, Stuart and Lauren Rimmer discuss the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction industry, the challenges faced by SMEs in meeting CSR standards, and the critical need for inclusion and diversity. They explore the impact of sobriety on professional life, the culture of alcohol and drugs in construction, and the link between mental health and substance abuse. The conversation also highlights the launch of CONICORE, a new networking initiative aimed at driving change in the industry.

Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Construct Change.

Keywords

construction, corporate social responsibility, inclusion, neurodiversity, sobriety, mental health, industry culture, SMEs, education, networking

Takeaways

Corporate responsibility combines commercial success with social purpose.

The majority of contracts in construction are held by SMEs, which face unique challenges.

Inclusion in the workplace begins with creating a safe environment for all employees.

Mental health issues in construction are exacerbated by industry pressures and substance abuse.

Supportive work environments can significantly improve employee well-being and productivity.

Listening to employees is crucial for fostering inclusion and understanding their needs.

The culture of alcohol and drugs in construction needs to be addressed for better mental health outcomes.

Education and training are essential for helping SMEs meet CSR standards.

Neurodiversity should be embraced as a valuable asset in the workforce.

Challenging traditional practices can lead to meaningful change in the industry.

Links:

Website www.construct-change.co.uk 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-rimmer-47160375/ 

Lauren’s recommended follow - Millie Gooch! https://tr.ee/yElU4ZknJq 

Titles

Building a Better Future: CSR in Construction

The Power of Inclusion: Changing Industry Culture

Sound bites

"99.9% of contracts in the industry are SMEs."

"Listening is the first point of inclusion."

"We need to treat our people fairly."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Construct Change and Its Mission

02:39 Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG

05:17 Challenges for SMEs in Meeting CSR Standards

08:05 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Construction

10:37 The Role of Neurodiversity in the Industry

13:00 Sobriety and Its Impact on Construction Culture

15:31 Addressing the Drugs and Alcohol Culture in Construction

30:41 Re-educating for a Better Culture

35:09 Learning from Mistakes and Personal Growth

35:41 Understanding Neurodiversity

41:03 The Strengths of Neurodiversity

46:18 The Importance of Mental Health

52:04 Social Responsibility in the Workplace

54:31 The Future of Networking in Construction