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As I reflect on Pride Month, it is the perfect opportunity to highlight the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and communities. These values are the foundation of belonging, and they’ve helped us build one of the world’s most inclusive and caring companies.
Research consistently shows that companies with a strong representation of women in their executive teams are more profitable – and diverse teams are better at decision-making and problem-solving. Diverse companies are more likely to tap into new markets, and those with more diverse workforces have higher employee retention rates. There is an undeniable correlation between diversity and organizational success.
I recently had the opportunity to observe operations at a large U.S.-based automotive plant. The efficiency and precision of their processes were inspiring. But what stood out was the diverse workforce on the shop floor. The experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds represented there reinforced my belief that diversity is fundamental to an organization’s success. Our employees’ unique experiences and ideas drive progress and help us deliver exceptional solutions to our customers.
It also reinforced my belief that we need to speak more about workforce diversity, how our population is evolving, and how it is vital for every organization. Let’s look at Schneider Electric’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how our commitment drives innovation, supports strategic goals, and ensures success.
Fostering an inclusive culture for greater impact
Inclusion is one of the IMPACT Values we live daily at Schneider Electric. We’ve implemented several initiatives and programs to foster an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
For example, Employee Resource Networks (ERNs) are a powerful place for employees from various backgrounds to connect, support each other, and drive positive organizational change. Our ERNs include groups for LGBT+ employees, black professionals, veterans, women, and many others. While every ERN has its own structure, an executive sponsor typically leads each ERN from the respective community, along with an HR partner, to ensure the strong support needed to achieve their goals.
Our LGBT+ ERN has been instrumental in creating our inclusive culture, where employees feel safe and supported to be their authentic selves. In the US, I’m an executive sponsor of this ERN and have witnessed its positive impact on our employees’ engagement and satisfaction. We organize events, sponsor external activities, and provide education and training to promote respect and acceptance across the organization. The LGBT+ ERN is a testament to the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a positive work environment.
Attracting diversity with inclusive policies
Our recruitment and talent development practices reflect our commitment to diversity in order to better represent the communities we serve. For example, the Diversity and Inclusion Council ensures every hiring process includes a diverse pool of candidates. This council challenges us to think beyond traditional talent pools and consider candidates from various backgrounds, genders, and nationalities.
We’re constantly striving to make more progress. The World Economic Forum recently named Schneider Electric a “Lighthouse” in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Bloomberg recognized us for our drive toward equality in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), and the Financial Times named us a Leader in Diversity. We’re also listed on the FTSE Diversity and Inclusion Index and are pleased that Glassdoor has recognized our inclusive workplace culture and named us one of the best places to work.
These accolades are nice, but there is still much to do.
Measuring success and continuous improvement
Today, we continually measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
One key takeaway is that we need to listen to our employees. Our internal employee surveys provide valuable insights into how employees feel about workplace environments, the support they receive, and the inclusivity of our culture. High engagement and satisfaction levels indicate that our initiatives make a positive difference. We also gather qualitative feedback from employee groups, including our Employee Resource Networks (ERNs). By listening to their feedback and acting on recommendations, we continuously refine our diversity and inclusion strategies to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.
We’re committed to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute their best work. By continuously measuring our progress and aiming for improvement, we can ensure that diversity and inclusion remain at our core.
Maintaining our focus on diversity and inclusion
We recognize and celebrate the incredible diversity of our LGBT+ employees bring to our organization. They truly are a vital part of our community, and we’re committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the identity of Schneider Electric. These principles drive innovation, enhance problem-solving, and make us more resilient and dynamic. By fostering an inclusive culture, we help our teams collaborate effectively, address complex challenges, and deliver resilient, efficient, and sustainable operations for our clients.
As a people business, Schneider Electric Services relies on our diverse team to bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences that drive creativity and excellence. This inclusive environment helps us extend the life of our customers’ assets and systems, ultimately providing superior service.
Discover how Schneider Electric Services can help you achieve your sustainability and business objectives through innovative solutions and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Learn more about our impact and how we can help drive your success.
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