L&M KEATING
The philosophy at L&M Keating is that equality, diversity and inclusion are the founding principles of a sustainable and successful business
A multi-disciplinary contractor committed to diversity
Diversity and inclusion must consume not just an organisation, but the entire industry’s culture by becoming engrained in every aspect of its work and process. Policy and procedure have little value without the right people on board and a zero-tolerance approach to exclusion must be exercised from top to bottom.
This is the view of Gordon O’ Regan, CEO of L&M Keating, a multidisciplinary marine, civil engineering and building contractor based in Kilmihil, Co Clare. Established in 1987, L&M Keating has become a market leader in marine, civil engineering, building and conservation works in Ireland and the UK.
At L&M Keating, the leadership team is responsible for leading by example and championing the organisation’s culture and delivering its policy commitments.
“While this pledge may seem like common sense, it’s important that it is one that is followed through,” says O’Regan.
“Raising awareness amongst the team of their own responsibility to promote inclusion and challenging behaviours and attitudes contrary to those of our organisation is important. So is continuously looking for opportunities to engage, encourage and empower those around them to embrace inclusion.”
L&M Keating has long recognised the benefits of having a vibrant, diverse and multicultural working environment but also understands that it operates in an industry where cultural change can sometimes be slow. Nevertheless, L&M Keating is fully committed to cultivating an environment that embraces inclusiveness.
“We firmly believe that a workforce with different skillsets, backgrounds and experiences will always deliver the most successful results,” says O’Regan. “By acknowledging a diverse workforce, we can shape how we work with each other, our customers and our suppliers as well as the wider community in which we operate to achieve our business objectives. But, more importantly, it means we are operating as a responsible and socially aware employer.”
FAIRNESS, INCLUSION AND RESPECT COMMITMENT
The organisation’s commitments to inclusion, diversity and dignity at work are enshrined in its policy statements, which highlight the positive actions been taken by L&M Keating. The ‘Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Commitment’ provides the team with a clear understanding of their own responsibilities to create a positive working environment for themselves and potential new employees.
L&M Keating is currently training FIR ambassadors who will educate and promote appropriate behaviours throughout the company. A number of training tools have also been developed that have been particularly useful for the company’s site teams to build an understanding of the practical application of FIR.
“We like to challenge advertising norms in our industry with gender neutral advertising and marketing. We seek out relevant workplace initiatives in order to attract more women and ethnic minorities to our team and the wider industry,” notes O’Regan.
The company also monitors diversity within its supply chain to ensure the genuine achievement of its equality, diversity and inclusion objectives and targets.
“As industry leaders, ending discrimination and exclusion are not just legal requirements; they are our responsibility to our industry,” says O’Regan.
“We must collectively view inclusion and diversity as long-term and sustained efforts, which will provide for a stronger and varied workforce in the long run.”