Creating an inclusive workplace is, as many employers know, not as simple as implementing a few top-down policies. It takes time, effort and resources to make all staff feel valued and safe in their place of work, which is why it is so important to recognise the steps taken by companies determined to improve their workplace inclusion.
Kellogg Company has recently published its third Diversity & Inclusion report, which looks at the ways in which the food giant has enhanced inclusion and diversity within its structure in order to reflect the consumers it serves.
John Bryant, president and chief executive officer of Kellogg’s, commented: “Fostering diversity within our workforce and our supplier base is not just the right thing to do; it’s critical for helping us achieve our strategic vision.
“An actively inclusive, welcoming and respectful work environment promotes employee engagement, drives innovation, improves retention and boosts productivity – all of which contribute directly to our bottom line.”
One of the measures undertaken by Kellogg’s was to provide further business opportunities to companies owned by women, disabled veterans and people from minority groups, resulting in a supplier base made up of more than 200 diverse companies.
Consequently, the company has won a handful of awards for its diversity strategy, which has involved strengthening incentives for driving inclusion and diversity – such as including it as a performance measure in the senior leaders’ bonus plan. In Kellogg Company’s Australia and New Zealand arm, workshops have been set up to encourage more women to further their careers and enter leadership roles.
Firms that follow Kellogg’s’ example and concentrate on improving workplace inclusion are sure to reap the benefits, which include reducing staff turnover, avoiding the pitfalls of discrimination and winning more business with their approach to staff and customers alike.
Mr Bryant added: “An actively inclusive, welcoming and respectful work environment promotes employee engagement, drives innovation, improves retention and boosts productivity – all of which contribute directly to our bottom line.”
