Balfour Beatty, the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure provider, employs over 12,500 people and plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s built environment.
The problem
Balfour Beatty identified a critical need to address cultural and inclusivity challenges that were negatively impacting the workplace environment and external perceptions of the industry. Employee feedback revealed concerns around inappropriate “banter” and a lack of inclusivity in certain areas of the business. These issues created barriers to psychological safety, making some employees feel undervalued and excluded. Additionally, stereotypical views of the industry were deterring younger generations from pursuing careers in the sector, as they sought workplaces that aligned with their personal values and embraced diversity.
The solution
Balfour Beatty launched the “Right to Respect” programme as part of its broader Value Everyone D&I Strategy. Designed in collaboration with The Clear Company and informed by employee feedback, the programme sought to create an inclusive culture where every employee feels respected, valued, and safe to express their authentic selves.
Key elements of the programme included:
- Facilitated face-to-face sessions: These sessions encourage open and honest discussions about respectful behaviour and language using practical examples from diverse communities.
- Integration into existing frameworks: To drive systemic change, the programme has been embedded into leadership development, training programs, and employee-led affinity networks.
- Practical and proactive approach: By focusing on real-world scenarios and providing actionable guidance, the initiative equips employees with the tools to contribute to a culture of respect.
This comprehensive approach ensures that inclusivity is not only addressed at a surface level but is woven into Balfour Beatty’s fabric for lasting impact.
The results
The Right to Respect programme has had a transformative impact on the organisation:
- Over 3,960 participants, including senior leaders and external partners, have engaged with the programme.
- Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants commending the safe and supportive environment that fosters honest dialogue about challenging topics.
- Balfour Beatty has seen a measurable shift in its culture. The 2023 UK engagement survey revealed that:
- 83% of respondents felt respected at work.
- 85% of respondents felt comfortable being themselves in the workplace.
The programme’s success is attributed to its integration into ongoing initiatives, such as leadership engagement, continuous training, and collaboration with supply chain partners. This ensures that the inclusive culture is both sustainable and far-reaching.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.