In 2020, we saw a massive societal shift around the globe centered on equality and opportunity for all. Racial injustice, gender discrimination, workforce imbalances, deep-seated biases, stereotypes and misconceptions were at the forefront of many agendas.
We reflected heavily in 2020 and committed ourselves to driving diversity and inclusion into the fabric of our workplace, our culture, and within ourselves. Blue Yonder’s DIVE strategy (Diversity, Inclusion, Value and Equality) has been foundational to driving change within Blue Yonder, and embracing unique voices, backgrounds and perspectives we each bring to the table.
So what did we do in 2020? We launched this DIVE IN blog series as our pledge to explore the topics and issues that help breathe inclusion into our workplace and bring to light the biases, sensitivities and issues that inhibit us to reach a truly inclusive culture. Being transparent and hitting the tough topics head-on is critical. DIVE In lifts up topics like belonging, invisible disabilities, and allyship, directly from our own associates along with external industry thought leaders.
We also expanded our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) from our original Women’s Interest Network (WIN) ARG, which established in 2014 continues to grow. We have added the Black Resource Initiative Dedicated to Equality (BRIDGE), focused on ensuring all Black/African American associates have the ability to be their authentic selves at work, be empowered to have an influential seat at the table and be valued for their contributions. We are also soon launching a LGBTQ+ ARG and Working Parents & Caregivers ARG this quarter.
We now partner with more universities across the U.S. to engage directly with students through sponsorship of diverse student clubs and universities and with students through various channels, including speaking engagements and information sessions. We have taken a hard look at our intern and entry level recruitment programs, and added Georgia Tech Society of Black Engineers and University of Chicago’s Women in Computer Science to our student club sponsorships, donated to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and have partnered more closely with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Internally, we are shining the light on our shortcomings by sharing data, making DIVE a regular topic of conversation, encouraging associates to share observations and tell us what we can do better.
These are just a few of the things underway at Blue Yonder with much more to come in 2021. I reiterate our commitment to diversity and building an inclusive culture. We will continue to be transparent and recognize that there is much more we need to do. We made great strides in 2020 but we must do more, and we must do better. I look ahead to where we will be a year from now – in inspiration.
