By Lee Jourdan, Chief Diversity Officer, Chevron
So, why Diversity and Inclusion? Are we doing it because it’s the right thing to do? Or is it a business imperative? The answer is yes.
Why? Because we are in the business of finding, developing, and leveraging value from resources including the most important resource … the human resource.
When we talk about “finding,” we know that the best resources can be found across all dimensions of diversity regardless of gender, educational background, tribe, religion or many other dimensions of diversity.
We need to broaden the pool of opportunity. That’s why attracting and retaining a diverse workforce is a competitive advantage. It broadens the pool.
Research has long shown the business case and critical importance for diversity and inclusion for future success.
There are many studies, from academic and research institutions like Harvard, Princeton, McKinsey and others that reveal the same fact: Diversity and Inclusion unlocks innovation and drives market growth through greater collaboration and creative problem solving.
For example, one study from Deloitte shows that companies with a high level of racial diversity led to 27% higher profitability, companies with inclusive culture saw 22% greater productivity and when employees believed their company was committed to inclusion, that resulted in 42% better collaboration.
Studies aside, innovation requires two critical factors: a diverse set of views, ideas and experiences, and an inclusive environment where diverse ideas are encouraged, accepted, and valued. What good is it bringing your authentic self to work if no one bothers to hear what you have to say?
Each employee is here to create value for Chevron’s many stakeholders: our investors, partners, customers, communities, and – the area I’m most passionate about – our people.
My team in the Office of Global Diversity takes seriously its obligation to help strengthen a culture where everyone feels included, valued, and purposeful. Getting there starts with leaders who understand the value of empathy and how to show a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their everyday actions.
It’s important to note that what we are seeing is snapshot of a 140-year evolution, not the end of the journey. Progress is never a straight line, but if we keep our eye on the prize through these periods of discomfort, we will continue to be the high-performing organization we aspire to be.
There is a wave of energy around D&I that has not been seen in my many years at Chevron. Employee networks, functions and businesses have joined forces and/or ramped up their efforts to drive advocacy and interest in D&I issues, such as addressing anti-racism, promoting gender equity, and attracting and growing employees of all backgrounds and experiences.
Some of that work includes:
- Growing the Men Advocating Real Change Program (MARC), a Catalyst-sponsored program launched by our Women’s network that engages men as partners and advocates in supporting gender inclusion. MARC, which started at 250 members four years ago, now boast more than 5,000 members with active programs in 12 continents.
- Expanding the ‘elevate’ program, which models the structure of the MARC program and focuses on driving awareness and understanding of the challenges and barriers many of our employees in underrepresented groups face both in and out of the workplace.
- Launching an intern-to-hire program, led by IT, designed for people on the autism spectrum, with a goal to expand to other neurodiverse individuals. Our first cohort was five interns, all hired to work with ITC and four of the interns were hired into full-time roles after the internship.
These are just a few examples of how we are embracing the values of diversity and inclusion and weaving those values into business.
As Chevron strives for a more inclusive environment, one where employees feel comfortable to be their authentic self who are inspired to deliver their best performance. Everyone, from the CEO down, plays a part in ensuring we build a culture where everyone has an opportunity to fully participate and contribute to our business success.
