A fresh perspective women in the JLL workforce

Women have been succeeding in business in ways that would have unprecedented even three decades ago, but the construction industry has long remained a male bastion.

However that, too, is changing in Australia, thanks to a key initiative introduced by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). The Australian operation of the global professional services and investment management firm, which specialises in real estate services, actively promotes changing demographics in the workforce. The firm established the Project and Development Services (PDS) Diversity Program two years ago.

Kevin Hastings, Australian head of PDS, says the firm had a vision of creating a nationwide network that would reflect changing demographics, not only in the workplace, but also in the marketplace and wider community.

"The PDS Diversity Program is about inclusion and recognising the value our differences bring to our people, our organisation and our clients," Hastings says. "Diversity makes us more creative, since diverse teams solve problems and innovate more effectively than homogenous groups. The program supports our culture of teamwork and collaboration, and allows us to attract the best talent in the marketplace."

"Within the PDS Diversity Program, we wanted to create a workplace environment and organisational culture that encourages learning from other women in the organisation, and captures the advantages of diverse perspectives."

Hastings says the PDS Diversity Program was developed at a grass roots level, with two women in the PDS business starting a conversation around diversity, with a specific focus on women in the project and construction management business.

"The initial PDS Diversity Program has expanded to include a truly national diverse program. The founders, Diana Jones and Cindy Sfeir, are incredibly passionate about creating networking opportunities for women in the PDS business, and sharing valuable experiences and expertise. JLL was quick to recognise the value in this program and has since assisted in its development to provide a more formal organisational structure, including a Chair in each state and the allocation of a diversity budget."

Hastings says there has been a 68% increase in the number of women employees in the PDS business between 2010 and 2013. And 31% of all PDS promotions in 2012 were female, compared to 11% in 2011.

"Due to the huge success of the PDS Diversity Program in Australia, a decision has been made to replicate the program right across the Asia Pacific region. It will involve 800 employees in 14 countries, with Cindy Sfeir, who is based in Victoria, acting as a consultant on the project."

JLL has established a dedicated intranet page for PDS Diversity, which highlights the program's mission and objectives, upcoming internal and industry events, and opportunities for people to become involved in the program. JLL has also been active in supporting industry associations, helping to broadcast the message of diversity and inclusion in the industry by attending or sponsoring more than 50 events.

For further information, visit the Jones Lang LaSalle website: www.joneslanglasalle.com.au

Story by: Trendsideas