JB&B: A Comprehensive Approach to DEI Initiatives

We are proud to continue our effort with CREW Network’s CRE Pledge for Action to advance women and elevate actions that encourage greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the commercial real estate industry. JB&B fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture in which our employees share the common goal of creating a progressive, inclusive and fun work environment. JB&B values the voices and opinions of our employees. We are a team. We are a community. And here’s what we’re doing.

DEI Mission Statement. JB&B believes collaboration among employees with varied perspectives, backgrounds and experiences improves decision-making and generates deeper insights that better serve our clients, employees and community. We are committed to fostering a company culture in which all employees feel valued, included, safe, heard, empowered and, more importantly, are treated equitably regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The objectives of these initiatives include addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, communication, external relations, accountability and education.

Know Better Do Better. As JB&B continues its journey to foster more belongingness in the work environment, we have hosted several interactive workshops to engage our leadership team. The “Know Better Do Better” workshops provide our team with valuable tools and skills development to become more effective and inclusive leaders. These workshops focus on communicating effectively and allowing the team to examine various leadership styles, identifying strategies to manage individual work styles, exploring the potential impact of our language on confidence and perceived value, and analyzing workplace communication and its effectiveness.

DEI Training and Professional Development Courses. Our behavior-based diversity training focuses on what it means to think and act inclusively—whether employees are interacting in person, online or on the phone. This training challenges our employees with realistic scenarios, videos and interactive exercises, and helps to increase awareness and understanding of issues shaping our firm’s culture. This training includes such coursework as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Work; Unconscious Bias; Microaggressions in the Workplace; Generational Diversity; and Cultural Competency. This curriculum can be accessed virtually, in-person and on-demand, giving employees the flexibility to fit it within their work schedule.

Employee Resource Groups

• SAII. The Social Awareness & Inclusion Initiative (SAII - pronounced “say”) strives to honor and amplify the diverse voices that make up the firm and enhance an industry-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.  SAII is intentional about creating a safe environment for employees to share ideas and experiences and promote mutual respect for all.  SAII believes that the different viewpoints and experiences provided by a diverse workforce offers enhanced value to our clients and creates a better work environment for our employees. 

• WI. The JB&B Women’s Initiative (WI) strives to develop and retain a diverse group of women by creating and maintaining an environment that recognizes, cultivates and encourages women to advance both professionally and personally.  The JB&B Women’s Initiative is focused on three main objectives: 1) to position women as leaders inside and outside of the firm; 2) to promote the retention of women through leadership and professional development; and 3) to bring women and men to a mutual understanding.  WI believes that by leveraging and encouraging the diversity of how women think, interpret, respond and network differently, JB&B employees together can continue to build a balanced and diverse workplace.

Measurable Results. The goals we have set have resulted in some positive, measurable results, as demonstrated in our 2023 Employee Engagement Survey, where our Diversity Climate Theme increased by 17% from 2021.  This was achieved through training, building awareness (intentionally reaching out to diverse universities [HBCUs, women]) and education, as well as recruiting more diverse employees.  Building on this positive momentum, JB&B’s leadership remains dedicated to further enhancing and expanding upon this diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.