The UKAA (UK Apartment Association) and independent, third-party employee feedback provider Swift Bunny have released the initial findings of the first Build to Rent Diversity and Inclusion Snapshot.
In spring 2022, a partnership between Swift Bunny and the UKAA aimed to uncover UKAA members’ sentiments with a Diversity and Inclusion survey. The initial findings provide an understanding of the perceptions employees have, and serves as a benchmark against which future progress can be measured.
This pilot edition represents a small sample size, with future participation expected to grow. The findings reveal that in the UK Build to Rent sector, 84% of employees recognise supervisors for creating inclusive work environments for their direct reports. Additionally, 82% of employees agree that their company respects individuals’ differences and 79% agree that their employer is outwardly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
However, more work is needed when it comes to companies seeking to understand their employees’ feelings about diversity and inclusion, with only two thirds of respondents agreeing that they currently do this.
One of the greatest opportunities for improvement identified was ensuring that job opportunities are promoted to all employees, with only 63% of employees agreeing they are notified of job openings.
“The 2022 Build to Rent Diversity and Inclusion Snapshot was our first step in understanding the perceptions that employees have about diversity and inclusion within the sector. It has provided a snapshot of how employees currently feel, with informative insights that can help form the foundation of work moving forward. Over time, our goal is to support better informed decisions around recruitment, hiring, educating and retaining employees across the entire Build to Rent industry.”
Brendan Geraghty, CEO, UKAA
The UKAA is hosting – Building the Foundation for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion webinar – on 6 September 2022, from 4pm to 5pm. Register to attend. To take part in the Anonymous 2022 UKAA survey, register here. Diversity and inclusion is a key focus for the UKAA, and it will also be a central theme at its Annual Conference and Industry Awards this year.
