The recent week’s news regarding the terrible and unjust death of Mr. George Floyd, and many others before him, further highlights the systemic racism and injustice our societies still withhold. At Skanska we will never accept, or reason with actions and non-actions that foster discrimination, violence and hate. Never.
Let the recent week’s development not be in vain. While Skanska has a strong culture rooted firmly in our values, it is important to recognize that our culture isn’t static. It needs nurturing, reinforcement and a pair of critical eyes to scrutinize it every now and then - perhaps now, more than ever. This is a time for us to have the critical dialogue, active listening and long-term action. A time for our leaders to speak up, educate and consider our own conscious and unconscious biases and their unintentional consequences. A time for uncomfortable conversations, and maybe most importantly, it’s a time for us to listen closely with empathy and compassion.
With that said, nothing will change if we don’t put in the hard work to bridge the gap between what we say and what we do. Throughout the organization we are currently revisiting our Diversity & Inclusion procedures and guidelines to improve the ways in which we hold each other accountable, to create a foundation for real change.
There is still more work to be done.
Anders Danielsson
President & CEO