Feature Stories
YTL Construction's Journey Towards an Inclusive Workforce
People 31 October 2023
Almost seven decades ago, YTL Construction embarked on its journey as a basic construction company. Over the years, it has evolved into an organisation that proudly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a workforce comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, YTL Construction’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment has led to a unique blend of expertise within its family.
The employees at YTL Construction represent an amalgamation of different age groups, cultivating a mosaic of experiences and skills. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, this diverse mix of generations is the driving force behind the company’s accomplishments. This blend has proven pivotal in driving innovation and knowledge sharing, encapsulating the essence of an inclusive organisation.
In an industry often labelled as “Dirty, Difficult, and Dangerous”, YTL Construction defies prevailing stereotypes and emerges as a trailblazer. The company actively encourages gender diversity amongst its employees, ensuring equitable access to employment, training, and development. A noteworthy testament to this commitment is the fact that 50% of YTL Construction’s workforce involved in the monumental 192 km GJBEDTP are women. Inside the company’s corporate offices, this commitment translates into tangible support. YTL Construction established dedicated facilities to assist pregnant and nursing female employees, whilst also providing free access to essential sanitary products.
Additionally, YTL Construction prioritises inclusivity across various age groups by setting up the Solo Parents Support Group and offering flexible working hours to support work-life balance, especially for those caring for their families. By addressing the unique circumstances of single and young parents, YTL Construction strives to foster an environment where all employees can flourish.
In 2020, YTL Construction conceptualised and incubated the YTL Learning Academy to empower their employees with continuous learning opportunities. This platform evolved into a comprehensive resource, from technical to nontechnical subjects covering language, physical and mental health, leadership, social justice, and more. Over the past three years, the YTL Learning Academy hosted a range of DEI-focused talks, including nutrition, healthy vision, physiotherapy, cancer awareness, mental health, gender equality, diversity at the workplace, inclusive language use, and environmental conservation topics such as turtle and coral reef preservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and urban forests. Since the launch, 40 talks have been conducted both online and physically, attended by more than 2,000 attendees. The YTL Learning Academy is a testament to YTL Construction’s commitment to holistic growth.
The embedded DEI spirit within the YTL Construction family has also spilt over into the public space in multiple ways. Employees have volunteered to teach refugee children from Myanmar English language classes at YTL Foundation’s 54C community centre on Friday afternoons. Similarly, YTL Construction has actively engaged with marginalised communities by sourcing meals from social enterprises like Picha Eats and Dapur Rakyat for their employee vents, showcasing the company’s commitment to positive social impact. In 2020, YTL Construction also partnered with Women in Rail Malaysia to initiate a series of monthly online talks supporting female business owners with the theme “Think Local. Buy Local”.
YTL Construction’s unwavering dedication to DEI has garnered it a host of prestigious accolades. Notably, YTL Construction recently secured the First Runner-Up position for the esteemed Diversity and Inclusivity Award at the 4th British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Business Excellence Awards 2023. The Brand Laureate Sustainable Business and Brands Inspirational Achievement Award for 2022-2023 in the HR-People Development Leadership Category further underscores the company’s commitment to DEI. For the past two years, the company’s initiatives have been recognised with the HR Asia Awards for the Best Company to Work For In Asia – Malaysia category. Locally, YTL Construction has been distinguished as one of the finalists for the Graduates’ Choice of Employers in various categories since 2020. These accolades stand as a testament to YTL Construction’s relentless pursuit of excellence in DEI.
The journey towards creating an inclusive environment demonstrates that fostering diversity is not just an obligation, but a responsibility. YTL Construction’s dedication to promoting inclusivity has led to improved teamwork, higher morale, and the creation of an environment where everyone’s contributions are recognised and appreciated. As YTL Construction continues to evolve, this ethos serves as an inspiration, motivating the company to strive for excellence, embrace diversity, and lead the way towards a more inclusive future not only within the company but across industries and societies as a whole.
