WASHINGTON — The restoration industry is working to improve diversity and inclusion as demographic shifts in the U.S. workforce create both an opportunity and an imperative to recruit from historically underrepresented communities, according to a 2026 report from the Restoration Industry Association.
The restoration industry's workforce is currently approximately 68 percent white and 78 percent male, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. As the overall U.S. workforce becomes more diverse, restoration companies that fail to recruit from a broader talent pool will face increasing competitive disadvantage in the labor market.
Industry organizations are developing programs to recruit from communities that have historically been underrepresented in the restoration industry, including women, Hispanic and Latino workers, Black workers, and military veterans. Several companies have partnered with historically Black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions to develop recruitment pipelines.
Diversity initiatives in the restoration industry are also being driven by business considerations. Research across industries consistently shows that diverse teams make better decisions, are more innovative, and are better at understanding and serving diverse customer bases.
The RIA's diversity and inclusion committee has developed a toolkit for restoration companies that includes recruitment strategies, inclusive hiring practices, mentorship program templates, and resources for creating an inclusive workplace culture. The toolkit is available to all RIA members at no cost.
