Projects
Showcase of sample projects
Diversity and inclusivity symposium presentation
Diversity and inclusion are currently high-interest topics in the business community. In the context of the construction industry, this project outlined the challenges women encounter when entering and working in a male-dominated environment. The presentation also details the response strategies women adopt in order to achieve a sense of inclusivity and progress. A project of this nature is applicable and of value to all business environments.
Resilience of SMEs
Resilience is often thought to be complex concept. This was an effective means to display complex data and concepts relating to the resilience of SMEs in simplified fashion.
SMEs and Business Model
SMEs are the backbone of the New Zealand (NZ) economy. It is important to understand dynamic ways of the SMES especially during disasters and unexpected events. As displayed in the slides, this project provided an overview on the overall SMEs sector in NZ.
Ongoing Projects
Outstanding Results
In search of the 'hidden labour force'
Following the 2010 Christchurch New Zealand earthquake the Ministry for Women released an organisational research report titled: Building back better (2013) which provided an overview of women's employment situation relating to the construction industry. This illustrative document highlighted the under representation of women in the construction industry and identified that Canterbury woman were a 'hidden labour force' that was underutilized. Taking from the 'hidden labour force' theme and applying it to the post-disaster covid environment, Why Wait NZ team continue to seek out opportunities to connect with woman and minorities groups within the community to provide them with information, resources and encouragement which ease their access into the work place sector of their choice.
Integrating work and family life
A regular explanation of the under-representation of women in the workforce is centred on the challenges associated with work and family life conflict. However, work and family life also impacts on men in the workforce. Research and internet resources frequently use the multifaceted term 'work-life balance' to describe and discuss challenges faced by individuals and organisations regarding managing work and family life. Why Wait NZ team questions whether it is suitable to use the term 'balance' noting that such a term suggests a formula or equilibrium for something that is not a simple fix. Instead Why Wait NZ team encourages the application of the term 'integration' as more appropriate to current work environment. In doing so, Why Wait NZ team provides integration design assistance to individuals or organisations to ensure people experience smooth transitions in and out of the workforce, as well as the being able to continue to build the capability to develop a chosen career path.
What do diversity and inclusivity look like in practice?
Most people have a general understanding of the definition and advantages of diversity and inclusivity in the work environment. However, in terms of how these concepts play out and practice, there is still a lot of learning to be absorbed before individuals and organisations can fully benefit from encompassing valued practices into their workplace cultures. Drawing on current research, Why Wait NZ team serves to evaluate and develop organisational policy centred on diversity and inclusivity, as well as provide effective practical strategies that can impact directly with individuals and frontline staff