Diversity is an important issue for a lot of job functions, not just facility managers. Sadly, 2020 made that perfectly clear for the United States. And as more younger facility managers join the industry, diversity is an important recruitment tool. 

At Froedtert Health in Wisconsin, the path to improving diversity began more than five years ago and encompasses a variety of aspects in the facility, including work with contractors, employees and vendors. After years of hard work, the numbers are impressive: Twenty percent of total construction hours went to minority and women businesses enterprises. So did 17 percent of construction spending subject to inclusion, and 20 percent of spending on architecture, engineering, and consulting services, according to an article on FacilitiesNet.com. 

The goal for the hospital was to closer resemble the community it served. The diversity team worked with a consultant and began with a series of soft targets since leaders were unsure of the program’s success, according to John Balzer, vice president of facility planning and development at Froedtert. But as the department started hitting target after target, they knew they could reach for firmer goals. 

Learn more about Froedtert Health’s diversity journey >here.