One year ago, nearly 70 employees from across Andersen's work sites engaged in a new program led by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team. The goal was to build "Diversity Champions" who signed on to assist in creating a culture of inclusion, foster cultural competence and align strategic DEI initiatives throughout their location or work team.
The diversity champions from more than 20 sites came together virtually for training and studied diligently to complete an exam earning them a certification from The Institute for Diversity Certification.
Emily Simon, who works in performance engineering in Dubuque, Iowa, where Andersen’s E-Series product line is manufactured, shared her experience as a Diversity Champion in the Dubuque BizTimes.
"From the DEI Champion program, I was able to learn more about how a diverse and inclusive workplace can make people feel comfortable to be able to bring their whole selves to work, which in turn leads to more innovation, creativity, excitement, and general morale boosts for everyone," Emily said. "It also allows everyone to continue to learn and grow on their own diversity journeys."
In her work environment, Emily created an educational area in breakrooms for employees to learn about the company's employee resource networks (ERNs) and its journey to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Emily’s project is one of many at Andersen with the goal of developing an inclusion workplace. Multiple teams in the enterprise have created solutions to continue this work. Our Research Development & Innovation team created a rotational development program with onboarding & mentoring to foster diversity. Our Information Technology team designed a DEI holiday calendar for cultural awareness.
"We use that area to celebrate different events throughout the year and continue to provide resources, information, and local volunteering events to every employee in Dubuque," she said.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Tracey Gibson, shared in the story: "At Andersen, we know diversity and inclusion are not just about race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or mental health. A workplace centered around inclusion ignites creativity, problem solving, collaboration and innovation."
Posted: June 7, 2023
