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Oregon

Oregon Launches Respect Works Program for Construction

The initiative aims to curb workplace harassment and improve retention for Oregon-based construction firms.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration depicting a heavy steel crane hook suspended over stacks of industrial timber and concrete blocks.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries has launched the Respect Works program to mitigate workplace harassment and improve construction industry retention. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bureau of Labor and Industries, Oregon Health and Science University, and the Oregon Department of Transportation have launched the Respect Works program. This initiative provides construction companies with training, resources, and surveys to address workplace culture.

Why it matters

State agencies developed the program to reduce high turnover rates caused by harassment and exclusion. By improving jobsite culture, officials aim to support workforce diversification and meet labor demands.

Exclusionary conduct costs construction companies an average of $137,000 annually in lost productivity. Meanwhile, 73% of job seekers report they only apply to companies with a culture that aligns with their personal values.

The players

Bureau of Labor and Industries

This is the state agency responsible for protecting the rights of Oregon workers and promoting equitable employment practices.

Oregon Health and Science University

This is a public medical research university that houses the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences.

Oregon Department of Transportation

This state agency manages Oregon's transportation infrastructure, including large-scale road and bridge construction projects.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

This federal agency enforces laws against workplace discrimination and tracks national trends regarding harassment in various industries.

The details

The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU created the tools based on industry input and research regarding workplace incivility. Participating Oregon employers with registered apprentices can access the guidebook and surveys through a confidential consultation process.

Timeline

  1. 2013: Research published regarding employee response to workplace incivility.

  2. 2022: BOLI and ODOT commissioned OHSU to design survey instruments.

  3. 2023: The research project expanded to include training and resource development.

  4. 2023: The EEOC released a report on harassment and discrimination in construction.

  5. October 26, 2026: The Respect Works program is officially announced.

Market Landscape

This program aligns with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's workplace harassment standards by providing concrete tools to fix systemic cultural issues. It marks a shift from reactive compliance to proactive management to address the industry-wide labor shortage.

Construction employees may see new training sessions or workplace surveys implemented as their employers adopt these resources. For business owners, the program offers a no-cost path to improve team retention and potentially reduce lost productivity.

The takeaway

Workplace culture is increasingly recognized as a measurable factor in business operational efficiency. Companies that prioritize inclusive environments may see gains in innovation and recruitment success.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving labor landscape, see Construction updates.

More information

To access the guidebook or request a consultation, visit the Respect Works program website.

Live Poll

Do you believe fostering an inclusive workplace is essential for retaining skilled workers in your area?