ACEC Research Institute Releases New Data in Second Edition of Diversity Roadmap

Valuable tool for engineering firms shows progress on firms' efforts to grow a diverse and inclusive workforce

Washington, DC- The ACEC Research Institute recently released the second edition of its Diversity Roadmap.Launched in Summer 2023 and sponsored by Zweig Group, the Roadmap is a comprehensive, data-driven tool to help engineering firms assess the maturity of their inclusion programs.

The tool works by analyzing a firm's self-reported data and providing actionable suggestions on how to make further progress on their individual diversity journeys. In short, the tool doesn't just tell firms how well they are doing; it tells them how they can do better.

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The ACEC Research Institute released 2024 data from its second year of operating the tool. It found that overall, there has been an increase of 7 points over 2023 in strategy and implementation of the programs for engineering firms. About 64% of the firms using the Roadmap fall into the "Aspiring" category, meaning they have taken the initial steps toward program implementation.

In addition, the percentage of firms in the "Managing" category increased by 10 points. Overall, just one percent of respondents received an "Optimizing" assessment, the same as in 2023, indicating a comprehensive and strategic initiative deeply integrated in the firm's culture, values, and business strategy.

"The updated information within the Diversity Roadmap tool underscores our belief that inclusion and belonging is essential for innovation and success," said Mike Carragher, chair of the ACEC Research Institute. "By equipping firms with the right strategies, we can share experiences and guidance with a goal of making our industry more attractive to a broader audience and grow the workforce to benefit everyone in the engineering community."

The tool found 75% of firms have an inclusive work environment for all employees and 41% are able to implement and maintain employee resource groups.

"The Diversity Roadmap tool equips firms and leaders with the data and insights needed to build an authentic, actionable narrative around diversity-something that has become increasingly critical," said Chad Clinehens, President and CEO of Zweig Group. "By transforming insights into strategies that drive recruiting and retention, firms can create inclusive workplaces that attract top talent and support long-term engagement and success. That is a powerful narrative."

This report is available here.