What will you do to support diversity and inclusion?
By Brenda Tilke
The most universal quality is diversity. These words, penned by French philosopher Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century, still ring true today. And on May 21, Roche employees around the world are invited to Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity.
World Day for Cultural Diversity was established to create a global, grass-roots diversity and inclusion movement where people commit and take action. The Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion campaign encourages people to lead or take part in one activity in support of diversity.
The most universal quality is diversity. These words, penned by French philosopher Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century, still ring true today. And on May 21, Roche employees around the world are invited to Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity.World Day for Cultural Diversity was established to create a global, grass-roots diversity and inclusion movement where people commit and take action. The Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion campaign encourages people to lead or take part in one activity in support of diversity.
To learn more about the campaign to and to exchange ideas on how to promote diversity and inclusion, anyone can visit the Facebook pageand show their support by clicking the like thumbs-up icon. And in the spirit of inclusion, people dont have to be Facebook members to access the page.
As the global headquarters for Roche, its important for Basel to set an example and to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integral to the way we work together, says Brigitte Maier, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Basel site.
Genentechs official participation in the campaign last year was a success. At an employee breakfast, colleagues talked about what they had done and how the event had broadened their perspectives both at work and in their personal lives. Part of the campaign included raising awareness of 12 behaviors that support creating a more inclusive workplace (see sidebar). A year later, employees at Genentech look forward to taking part in the 2012 campaign with their Roche colleagues around the world.
This is about being good stewards of a global organization, says Monica Poindexter, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Genentech. Its important to recognize that differences are valued and essential to drive innovation globally.
Why are diversity and inclusion so important to Roche? Diversity is more than just a buzzword; its critical to business success.
Diversity and inclusion ensure a positive work environment for employees, help people make better decisions and encourage innovation by increasing the number and variety of ideas and approaches. As Jane Weinmann, Group HR Head of Employee Relations, observes: The best ideas emerge in an environment where different perspectives are welcomed and encouraged and in which everyone knows that their ideas will be valued and listened to.
12 Inclusive behaviors
As the global headquarters for Roche, its important for Basel to set an example and to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integral to the way we work together, says Brigitte Maier, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Basel site.
Genentechs official participation in the campaign last year was a success. At an employee breakfast, colleagues talked about what they had done and how the event had broadened their perspectives both at work and in their personal lives. Part of the campaign included raising awareness of 12 behaviors that support creating a more inclusive workplace (see sidebar). A year later, employees at Genentech look forward to taking part in the 2012 campaign with their Roche colleagues around the world.
This is about being good stewards of a global organization, says Monica Poindexter, Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Genentech. Its important to recognize that differences are valued and essential to drive innovation globally.
Why are diversity and inclusion so important to Roche? Diversity is more than just a buzzword; its critical to business success.
Diversity and inclusion ensure a positive work environment for employees, help people make better decisions and encourage innovation by increasing the number and variety of ideas and approaches. As Jane Weinmann, Group HR Head of Employee Relations, observes: The best ideas emerge in an environment where different perspectives are welcomed and encouraged and in which everyone knows that their ideas will be valued and listened to.
12 Inclusive behaviors
- Greet people authentically - say "hello" to people at work, where you shop, get your coffee, walk your dog. Connect!
- Create a sense of "safety" for yourself and your team members. Hold confidences, Avoid saying or doing things that diminish or ridicule others.Critique ideas, not people.
- Work for the common good and shared success. Talk with your colleagues about how each person can contribute.
- Listen as an allylisten, listen, listen and engage. Listen to really learn what another person is saying be curious and check for understanding, rather than getting ready to respond or interrupting.
- Lean into discomfort be willing to challenge yourself and others.
- Put your stake in the ground and be willing, eager and able to move it.
- Link to others' ideas, thoughts and feelings.
- Create 360-degree vision: Ask others to share their thoughts and experiences and accept their frame of reference as true for them.
- Address misunderstandings and resolve disagreements. Think about a recent misunderstanding think about how you can acknowledge it and what outcome you want to work towards with the other person.Have a conversation.
- Speak up when people are being excluded. Look around at social or sporting events or at community gatherings invite someone into your game or conversation who sometimes is ignored or left out.
- Ask who else needs to be in the room to understand the whole situation.
- Build trust: Do what you say you will do and honor confidentiality.