The construction industry is at a critical crossroads. Project pipelines are growing – but workforce productivity is not.
Long hours, outdated delivery models, and mounting skills gaps are draining performance and pushing the industry to breaking point. That’s why FuturePlace created Foundations for Change: a practical, insight-rich report exploring what’s really working to build a more resilient, productive construction workforce.
Based on months of research, expert interviews, and real-world insights from leaders at ACCIONA, Built, Webuild, Urban Core, FKG Group, and others, this report goes beyond high-level rhetoric. It reveals how Australia’s most forward-thinking builders are rethinking leadership, embedding inclusion, and using workforce strategy as a lever to boost productivity, retention, and long-term project outcomes.
Brought to you by:
In collaboration with:
The report would not have been possible without the support and valuable contributions of:
James Andrews
Head of Human Resources & Industrial Relations, ACCIONA
Dominique Gill
Founder & Managing Director, Urban Core
Jody Kershaw
Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Webuild Group
Matt Ahlberg
Leadership & Development Manager, FKG Group
Dart Johnson
Group Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group
Mary Lemonis
Chief People Officer, Built
Robert Sobyra
Executive Director - Research & Planning, BuildSkills Australia
Rae Bonney
Workplace Mental Health, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist Independent Consultant
Dart Johnson
Group Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group
Acacia EAP offers industry-leading Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Workplace wellbeing services. Our mission is simple – to give each client an experience that exceeds expectations in service, quality, and outcomes to make a real difference in people’s lives. We partner with over 2,000 organisations across the globe to provide employee support when needed the most. We understand the value employees add to an organisation and we work with you to tailor an offering that supports them to thrive. Our suite of services is designed to offer a holistic and robust program that aligns with your mental health and wellbeing strategy. Our tailored solutions support our partners to create mentally healthy workplaces. Mentally healthy workplaces can’t just focus on individuals that are in crisis. Acacia’s approach is for all – regardless of where they sit on the mental health continuum. Acacia’s unique partnership model, spearheaded by our Workplace Wellbeing Consultants, provide organisations with a collaborative and information-driven working relationship. We also believe passionately in value alignment, building our service delivery on your values. We treat every interaction with the greatest of care, living by our business promise of every connection matters.
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