Borger Earthworks Closes the Gender Gap in the Construction Industry

CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Since taking the reins as president of Borger Group of Companies in 2006, Bill Borger Jr. has had a vision to transform the company in to a Canadian leader in the construction industry. His philosophy is to consistently exceed customer expectations and execute as efficiently as possible. Borger knows that to have the best construction company they need the best team.

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"To find the best team we recognized that pulling from only 50 percent of the population was not going to get the job done. We needed access to 100 percent of the labour pool - that means men and women," said Borger.

The question Borger asked his team was, "What policies need to be in place to make us the best and attract top talent?" The plan led to four major focus areas: safety, respect, productivity and innovation.

"Research clearly demonstrates that construction companies, and other fields where heavy or complex equipment is used, a diverse workforce lowers costs and increases productivity over the long run," says Debby Carreau CEO and Founder of Inspired HR.

Recent Canadian Labour market data shows that only 2.7 percent of heavy equipment operators are women. Borger's Earthworks division defies the norm and 50% of their workforce is women. In fact, one entire crew is female. "On average, our female crew has reduced repairs costs and down time by about 15%. It's not only about labour and repair costs but well maintained equipment keeps our projects on schedule," said Borger V.P.Darryl Conroy.

Respect within the workplace was another key component. Borger Group adopted the Respect in the WorkplaceTM program in May of 2013. Empowering the female employees to have confidence early and reducing unconscious bias made for a healthier workplace and reduced employee turnover. "Another benefit of Respect in the WorkplaceTM was building more skilled labour force for Borger Group that works well as a team.

Borger's culture of safety has also led to back-to-back Canada's Safest Employers awards. "We are very proud and equally fortunate to receive this recognition." Borger's Equipment Training Manager, Chris Garraway continued, "Safety has always been first. On October 31st, 2014 we celebrated over 2,500 days in with no work-time lost."

"Borger has really set the bar for companies in the industry for closing the gender gap. They have seen fantastic results from their teams' performance and positive feedback from their clients and other stakeholders. With a strong commitment, any organization that has, discipline and a relentless focus on culture, diversity and respect can see results like this," says Debby Carreau.

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About Borger Group of Companies: A family owned construction group of companies started in 1919 and specializes in underground, earthmoving and transportation services. Borger Group of Companies employs over 300 people.

Contact Borger Group: 7719 40th Street S.E., Calgary, AB, Canada T2C 2G9

Telephone (403) 279-7235, Fax (403) 279-6943 Email: [email protected] Attention: Kelcey Blazina

SOURCE Borger Group