SKOL Industry-Wide DEI Development

The engineering consulting sector in Finland plays a central role in building a sustainable, well-functioning society. SKOL’s vision is for member companies to be leaders in meaningful work and workplace development, offering the best employee experience in Finland. A key part of achieving this vision is advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In 2024, SKOL conducted a three-part DEI project:

1. Operating Environment Analysis

A report examining key social responsibility legislation, the current industry landscape, its challenges, opportunities, and risks, as well as the potential value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

2. Maturity Assessment for Member Companies

Mapping how far each member company has progressed in building inclusive practices and providing actionable and data-backed recommendations tailored to companies at different levels of their inclusion journey.

3. DEI Strategy for 2025-2030

Building a comprehensive, yet clear and practical strategy, goals, and metrics that reflect the needs and ambitions of the industry as a whole.

Strengths in Diverse Roles and Ability to Develop Concrete Solutions

Customer and end-user needs in the planning and consulting sector are becoming increasingly diverse. Succeeding both domestically and in international markets requires the ability to understand different client and stakeholder needs.

SKOL member companies have clear strengths supporting DEI development. These include a wide age range among staff, diverse roles enabling various career paths, and the fact that many companies have already initiated DEI work. The sector’s unique opportunity lies in its ability to design practical solutions that promote inclusion and equity in society—for example, through accessible and safe built environments.

Data-Driven Insight into Member Companies’ DEI Maturity

To better understand the current state of DEI work, SKOL conducted a survey among its members. Thirty-three companies of various sizes responded. The results show that DEI development is already widely present in the sector.

According to the survey, 61% of responding companies have integrated DEI or social responsibility into their strategy. In larger companies inclusion work has lead to competitive advantage. However, the maturity survey revealed that DEI work could be conducted in a more strategically. The majority of member companies remain at a state where DEI efforts concentrate on meeting legal requirements or isolated and fragmented actions. Therefore, a more strategic, data-driven approach could raise companies’ maturity levels and competitiveness.

Strengthening Talent Attraction and Retention to Address Skills Shortages

Improving the sector’s ability to attract and retain talent is a strategic priority for SKOL. The DEI project shows that attracting young and recently graduated professionals is important across companies of all sizes. The importance of international talent is particularly recognized in companies with over 250 employees, although practical measures remain fragmented. Challenges have been identified in language requirements and onboarding practices.

Investing in DEI has a clear positive impact on the employee experience. An inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging, motivation, and commitment, which reduces turnover and recruitment costs. Strengthening employee engagement is critical for the sector, especially given the growing competition for skilled professionals.

Deepening End-User Understanding as a Business Opportunity

A diversifying society requires planning and design processes that consider the needs of all user groups. One-third of companies responding to the DEI survey have already recognized DEI as an important part of business and offer solutions that include DEI perspectives. This competitive advantage can be significant in international markets.

SKOL’s DEI Strategy: Shared Goals for the Sector

SKOL’s DEI Strategy 2025–2030 focuses on three core goals:

• Attract a more diverse talent pool and skill set.
• Offer Finland’s best employee experience to everyone, regardless of background.
• Be recognized as a builder of a more socially sustainable society, technology, and industry.

The strategy includes clear metrics and an implementation plan. It aims to support member companies in developing their DEI maturity, which in turn will enhance the sector’s ability to retain talent and strengthen its reputation as a driver of sustainable societal development.

Implementing this strategy will require close collaboration with various stakeholders and will ultimately shape industry-wide practices and standards.