Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Workplace Discrimination Mitigation for Construction Services in High-Compliance Market


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Employment Discrimination to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A mid-sized construction firm faced significant workplace discrimination complaints that led to litigation and a damaged reputation, despite existing compliance efforts. Post-intervention, the organization achieved a 40% reduction in complaints and a 15% increase in employee satisfaction, highlighting the need for ongoing leadership development and cultural integration to fully embed inclusivity within the workplace.

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Consider this scenario: A mid-sized construction firm operating in the highly regulated North American market has identified a pattern of workplace discrimination complaints that have led to costly litigation, decreased productivity, and tarnished reputation.

Despite efforts to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity laws, the organization's existing policies and training programs have not effectively prevented discrimination incidents. The organization aims to strengthen its workplace culture and implement robust anti-discrimination measures to ensure legal compliance, enhance employee satisfaction, and maintain its competitive edge.



Initial review of the organization's challenges suggests that the root causes may include inadequate training, lack of clear reporting mechanisms, or an organizational culture that does not prioritize diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, existing policies might not be effectively communicated or enforced, resulting in repeated violations and employee grievances.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

A comprehensive 5-phase approach to addressing Employment Discrimination is critical for sustainable improvement. This methodology, often employed by leading consulting firms, ensures a structured and thorough analysis leading to actionable solutions.

  1. Assessment of Current State:
    • Examine existing anti-discrimination policies and training programs.
    • Conduct interviews and surveys to understand employee experiences and perceptions.
    • Identify gaps in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  2. Root Cause Analysis:
    • Analyze complaint patterns and HR reports to pinpoint underlying issues.
    • Review leadership commitment and managerial practices affecting the workplace environment.
  3. Strategy Formulation:
    • Develop a tailored action plan to address identified issues.
    • Include policy updates, enhanced training, and improved reporting mechanisms.
  4. Implementation:
    • Roll out the new initiatives, ensuring buy-in from all levels of the organization.
    • Establish clear accountability and communication channels.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Set up metrics to measure the effectiveness of new policies and training.
    • Regularly review progress and adjust the strategy as needed.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Employment Discrimination best practices:

Employee Harassment Training Workshop (17-slide PowerPoint deck and supporting Word)
Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Employee Relations - Gender Discrimination (4-page PDF document and supporting ZIP)
Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Employee Relations - Sexual Orientation Discrimination (4-page PDF document and supporting ZIP)
Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Employee Relations - Refusal to Work with Diverse Employees (4-page PDF document and supporting ZIP)
Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Employee Relations - Classism, Racism, Other Discrimination (4-page PDF document and supporting ZIP)
View additional Employment Discrimination best practices

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Employment Discrimination Implementation Challenges & Considerations

Leadership may question the return on investment for such a comprehensive approach. It is essential to communicate that beyond compliance, fostering an inclusive culture can lead to enhanced employee engagement, innovation, and talent retention, ultimately contributing to the bottom line. A McKinsey report found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.

Executives might be concerned about the timeline and resource allocation for such an initiative. It is important to stress that while the upfront investment in time and resources is significant, the long-term benefits of reduced litigation risk and improved employee morale can outweigh the initial costs.

Another consideration is the resistance to change within the organization. Change Management techniques will be crucial in overcoming this, ensuring that employees at all levels understand and embrace the new policies and practices.

Employment Discrimination KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it.
     – Lord Kelvin

  • Number of discrimination complaints pre- and post-intervention.
  • Employee satisfaction and engagement scores.
  • Retention rates of minority employees.
  • Completion rates of updated training programs.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

In the process of implementing the new strategy, it became evident that leadership plays a pivotal role in driving cultural change. A study by Deloitte highlighted that inclusive leaders are 70% more likely to report that their organization captures a competitive advantage from its diversity and inclusion initiatives.

It was also observed that transparent communication about the purpose and progress of the initiatives was key to securing employee buy-in and participation. Employees who feel informed and involved are more likely to support and contribute to a positive workplace environment.

Employment Discrimination Deliverables

  • Anti-Discrimination Policy Update (PDF)
  • Inclusive Culture Training Modules (PowerPoint)
  • Diversity and Inclusion Progress Dashboard (Excel)
  • Compliance and Impact Report (MS Word)

Explore more Employment Discrimination deliverables

Employment Discrimination Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Employment Discrimination. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Employment Discrimination subject matter experts.

Employment Discrimination Case Studies

A global professional services firm implemented a comprehensive bias training program, leading to a 20% decrease in workplace discrimination complaints within the first year. Their commitment to an inclusive culture was reflected in a 15% increase in minority employee retention over the same period.

An international construction company overhauled its HR reporting processes, introducing anonymous reporting and fast-track resolution. This led to a more trustworthy and transparent system, reducing the average time to resolve complaints by 50%.

Explore additional related case studies

Impact on Organizational Culture

Creating an inclusive environment goes beyond policy changes and training. It requires a fundamental shift in the organizational culture. This transition must be led from the top, with executives modeling the behaviors expected throughout the organization. A study by BCG found that companies with above-average diversity on their management teams reported innovation revenue 19 percentage points higher than companies with below-average leadership diversity.

Sustaining this cultural shift entails embedding diversity and inclusion into the core values and daily practices of the company. It includes recognizing and celebrating diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and actively seeking to eliminate unconscious biases in decision-making processes. This cultural evolution can significantly enhance the employer brand, making the company more attractive to top talent from diverse backgrounds.

Long-Term Benefits to Profitability

While the upfront costs of implementing a robust Employment Discrimination strategy may be a concern, the long-term financial benefits are substantial. According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile. This correlation suggests that an investment in creating an inclusive workplace can lead to better financial performance.

The profitability gains are achieved through a variety of channels, including improved employee engagement, higher retention rates, better decision-making from diverse perspectives, and an enhanced corporate reputation. These factors contribute to a virtuous cycle of increased innovation, customer satisfaction, and market share, which together drive long-term profitability.

Measuring Success Beyond KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it.
     – Lord Kelvin

While KPIs are crucial for measuring the success of the implemented strategy, qualitative assessments are equally important. These include employee testimonials, feedback from focus groups, and the overall sentiment expressed in internal communication channels. A qualitative approach provides a nuanced understanding of the impact on employees' day-to-day experiences and offers insights into areas that may not be captured by quantitative metrics.

Furthermore, external recognition through industry awards for diversity and inclusion can serve as a testament to the organization's commitment and success in creating an inclusive workplace. Such accolades can enhance the company's brand and serve as a benchmark against peers, reinforcing the organization's status as an employer of choice in the industry.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Aligning Strategy with Evolving Legal Requirements

The legal landscape regarding Employment Discrimination is constantly evolving, with new regulations emerging in response to social shifts. It is essential for the organization to remain agile and ensure that its strategies are not just compliant with current laws but are also adaptable to future changes. This proactive stance can prevent costly legal challenges and maintain the organization's reputation as a fair and equitable employer.

Regular reviews of the legal framework, coupled with a strong relationship with legal advisors, will ensure the organization stays ahead of the curve. By leading the industry in best practices for Employment Discrimination, the company not only mitigates risk but also sets a standard that can influence policy development and contribute to social change.

Additional Resources Relevant to Employment Discrimination

Here are additional best practices relevant to Employment Discrimination from the Flevy Marketplace.

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The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Decrease in discrimination complaints by 40% post-intervention, indicating improved workplace culture and reporting mechanisms.
  • Employee satisfaction and engagement scores increased by 15%, reflecting a positive shift in organizational culture.
  • Retention rates of minority employees improved by 20%, demonstrating enhanced inclusivity and employee retention.
  • Completion rates of updated training programs rose by 25%, indicating increased awareness and understanding of anti-discrimination policies.

The initiative has yielded significant improvements, notably a 40% decrease in discrimination complaints, indicating a positive shift in workplace culture and the effectiveness of the new reporting mechanisms. The 15% increase in employee satisfaction and engagement scores reflects the success of the initiative in fostering a more inclusive environment. However, the initiative fell short in fully embedding diversity and inclusion into the organizational culture, as evidenced by the moderate 20% improvement in retention rates of minority employees. To enhance outcomes, a more comprehensive approach to cultural transformation and leadership development could have been pursued, addressing the root causes of discrimination more effectively. Moving forward, a focus on leadership training and cultural integration initiatives can further bolster the impact of anti-discrimination measures and drive sustained change.

Building on the progress made, the next steps should involve a targeted leadership development program to embed diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization. Additionally, ongoing cultural integration initiatives, such as mentorship programs and diversity celebrations, can further solidify the inclusive environment. Regular reviews and updates to the anti-discrimination policies and training programs should be prioritized to ensure alignment with evolving legal requirements and best practices.

Source: Workplace Harassment Management for a Global Technology Firm, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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