Toolbox Talks

Making the industry more welcoming—

one conversation at a time.


Even a short and simple conversation among teams can be powerful tools for fostering inclusion and trust. With the right tools, these dialogues can become environments that break down barriers and promote respect.

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13 action-focused TOOLBOX TALKS
designed for flexible delivery across jobsite, office, and school environments

Each talk features a 15-minute discussion script, consisting of 10 minutes for delivery and 5 minutes for discussion, with clearly defined learning objectives. It includes straightforward definitions, key concepts, and engaging activities, alongside tailored examples for job sites, offices, schools/communities, and group activities. The talk also offers insight-provoking discussion questions, general requests, group activities, and actionable steps. Additionally, it provides 2–3 carefully selected external resources for each topic, along with hashtags and social media prompts. Each Toolbox Talk can be used in the following three ways:

CIW Week Format

One Toolbox Talk every day throughout Construction Inclusion Week

Weekly/Monthly Rotation

Year-round workforce focus

Custom Application

Pick a topic relevant to your site/team/season

Toolbox Talks align with Construction Inclusion Week's national focus on Workforce Development and the 2025 theme of Opening Doors. These talks support CIWs 2025 five national pillars:

Commitment & Accountability

Promoting leadership ownership and consistent follow-through on inclusion, culture, and workforce development goals across all levels.

Attract & Retain

Expanding and sustaining a diverse talent pipeline by creating inclusive pathways, improving onboarding, and reinforcing reasons to stay.

Belonging & WorkPLACe Culture

Fostering environments that enhance team cohesion, safety, and long-term retention.

Economic Opportunity

Creating equitable access to contracts, careers, and business partnerships that help individuals, suppliers, and communities grow together.

Community Engagement

Building lasting partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods to elevate the construction industry and inspire the next generation.

Toolbox Talks Now Available!

The Construction Inclusion Week 2025 Toolbox Talks are now available for download; click the button below to get started! Download the full Toolbox Talk set or view our collection to view the Toolbox Talks individually.

Download the Complete Toolbox Talk Set View Individual Toolbox Talks

Explore the Full Toolbox Talks Collection

Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Second-Chance Pathways to Careers

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Embracing Disability and Neurodivergence

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity: Leveraging a Broad Source of Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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