Let’s state the obvious: when coworkers are able to share different stories, backgrounds, and beliefs, it creates a better, more dynamic workplace. Take it from us – the Mango Grove wouldn’t be half as productive if we all came from the same tree. That said, there’s a difference between simply wanting more diversity in the workplace and actually achieving it. These 6 corporate companies fall into the second group, and they’re only going up from here.
6. Kaiser Permanente.
5. Ernst & Young.
EY, also known as Ernst & Young, isn’t your average accounting firm – and this became clear as soon as we learned about their efforts to advocate for diverse talent in the workplace. Based on their own research, EY knows that white men are far more likely to be sponsored for job candidacy than women or ethnic minorities. In response, they created EY Unplugged: a program linking ethnically diverse employees with minority executives who provide networking, advice, and mentoring services during their first few months.
But it doesn’t stop there. To improve cross-cultural competency and boost awareness among staff, EY uses formal training programs like Leadership Matters and Global Horizon, along with a Diversity & Inclusion microsite. Is it pure coincidence that EY is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms in the world? We think not.
4. Google.
When you’re one of the world’s most successful tech powerhouses in history, everything you do is put on full blast. In the case of Google, that’s a good thing – this company certainly doesn’t slack off when it comes to promoting and advancing diversity in the workplace. Among their many recent initiatives, Google gave $1 million to organizations specifically serving Latinos and their families, such as the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. They will continue to work together to forge career pathways for Latinos into tech companies like Google.
Along the same lines, Google’s internal Hispanic Googler Network is already making waves on the cultural awareness front. The group highlights Latino culture during Hispanic Heritage Month through events, exhibits, and panel discussions. They even created an online platform full of articles, stories and artifacts from Hispanic history and culture. If you’re looking to bolster your company’s cultural awareness levels, Google’s set the bar pretty high.
3. Pinterest.
2. Intel.
1. BASF.
If this list didn’t leave you inspired, we don’t know what will. For even more corporate organizations pushing the diversity threshold in 2017, check out the full list of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
Often overlooked when promoting diversity and cultural awareness is the issue of culture shock — and reverse culture shock, too! Did you know that often times it can be difficult to regonize?
Download our “10 Signs Your Employees Are Experiencing Culture Shock” checklist and you’ll be able to:
- Identify common signs of culture shock.
- Learn outside-the-box ways to help employees adjust to a new culture.
- Communicate with assignees about the adjustment process.
Take it from us – you don’t have to be the world’s largest chemical producer to be a champion for diversity and inclusion.
