 The
WHAT, WHY and HOW of Diversity/Inclusion at Quaker.
Diversity is about the unique characteristics that make up each
one of us including:
- Age, Ethnicity, Gender, Physical Ability, Race, Sexual Orientation
- Appearance, Culture, Educational Background, Home/Geographic Location,
Income Level, Lifestyle, Marital Status, National Origin, Parental
Status, Personality, Personal/Work Experiences, Religion, Thought
Processes, Veteran Status, Work Style
Inclusion is about ensuring that all people have the opportunity
to fully engage. An inclusive culture is a work environment that welcomes
and embraces the strengths of our differences, supports involvement,
and provides everyone with equal access to opportunities and information.
In an inclusive work environment, people feel comfortable and respected,
regardless of individual differences, talents or personal characteristics.
Diversity and Inclusion work hand-in-hand. By building a diverse workforce
that works together and leverages employee differences and experiences
in an inclusive manner, we create a platform for innovation and growth.
Quaker is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action
(AA) employer. We believe that compliance with EEO/AA requirements supports
the creation of a diverse workforce, while a belief in the value of
diversity maintains and nourishes it.
Our mission is to become the Premier Brand, Employer and Partner of
Choice.
We value and leverage Diversity/Inclusion as a competitive advantage
that drives business results within local communities and supports our
mission by:
- Providing all employees the opportunity to maximize their potential
and achieve their career goals
- Enhancing the quality of problem solving and innovation
- Maximizing productivity
- Reflecting the makeup of the changing customer/consumer base
- Understanding and fulfilling the needs of the consumers we serve
Policies
Our policies reflect the belief that all employees should be treated
with consideration and respect for their dignity.
Diversity Council
The Diversity Council is comprised of executive-level leaders whose
mission is to champion a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive work
culture by:
- Building an effective Diversity/Inclusion strategy
- Communicating strategic direction to all employees
- Monitoring progress and measuring success
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Quaker supports the development of employee-initiated, self-managed
groups that share special affiliations and interests. These groups:
- Provide input and offer counsel to the business regarding the varying
needs of different groups within the population
- Enhance employee development and retention through education
- Provide networking and community-building opportunities for their
members
Quaker Employee Resource Groups include:
- African-American Executive Council
The group's objective is to be the key influencer enabling staffing,
development and retention of senior-level African American employees.
- EQUAL
The group's objective is to foster a work environment of openness
and acceptance where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees
are recognized and treated as equal contributors to the Company.
- Hispanic Alliance
The Hispanic Alliance is in the process of developing its 2003 mission/strategy.
- Marketing Persons Of Color (POC) Resource Group
The group's objective is to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment
within the Marketing department and ensure people of color are able
to aspire to their fullest potential and drive business results.
- Quaker Asian-American Alliance (QAAA)
The group's objective is to ensure the professional development and
success of their members and drive company-wide excellence.
- Women In Management (WIM)
WIM is in the process of developing its 2003 mission/strategy.
A variety of vehicles/venues are utilized as opportunities to provide
Diversity/Inclusion education and learning including:
- Employee newsletter
- Informal diversity discussions on current related topics
- Formal classroom training
- E-learning tool
- Intranet/internet resources
- Agenda item in staff and Town Hall meeting
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