Three days ago, the National Post's Mandy Gilbert published a story called "How social responsibility can boost your bottom line." Its saucy headline got us thinking: How much is corporate responsibility tied to authentically decent intentions, and how much of it is tied to, well, the bottom line?
Gilbert's story mostly involved itself with community outreach, but that's hardly the only way corporate work cultures express social responsibility. Many employers—like the ones listed below—have also developed diversity initiatives and committees to enforce them. And many of these follow Gilbert's recommendations for developing a socially responsible culture (i.e. giving back should define your culture, start early, and let your employees own the company's social responsiblitiy outreach).
But she brings up yet another good point: Employees are also "skeptical of socially responsible policy that reeks of flavour-of-the-month opportunism." And it's true. So, do we believe the intentions of the following companies are genuine? Truly, yes. But decide for yourself—read the following company diversity policies, as listed in our LGBT issue.
The world is shrinking. The walls that divide are falling down. And those companies who take part in this trend are finding success through the diverse workforce their openness attracts. At Jobpostings, we celebrate those organizations that support workplaces where everyone — especially those within the LGBT community — can be their authentic selves. For this reason, we’ve profiled a sample of Canada’s LGBT friendly workplaces to show you why they take equality seriously, and what programs they’ve set up to support it.
Telus
Telus provides Canadians with mobile and residential phone services, Internet, and television services. By investing in leading-edge technology and offering a comprehensive selection of multi-functional devices and services, Telus helps consumers across the country stay connected and entertained wherever they are, whenever they want.
Commitment to diversity
“I’ve been completely out during my entire time at Telus, including the job interview process,” says Kasey Reese, V.P. for Risk Management and Chief Internal Auditor. “Also, Telus’ commitment to diversity was one of the key factors I considered prior to joining the team back in 2002. My partner, Javier, and I have always felt welcomed and accepted for who we are by Telus leaders, team members, and support from our executive leadership team around LGBT related initiatives has been affirming as well as energizing.”
Supporting pride at work
In 2009 Telus created Spectrum — an LGBTQ team member resource group, which provides a supportive and inclusive professional networking and learning environment for LGBTQ Telus team members and their supporters. Spectrum increases employee productivity, enhances Telus’ ability to attract and retain skilled employees, provides the organization with expert advice and resources on LGBTQ issues, and increases LGBTQ awareness and understanding among its non-LGBTQ team members.
TD
Toronto Dominion Bank Group (TD) is one of North America’s largest banks. With offices around the world, TD provides a full range of financial products and services to approximately 21.5 million customers through four key business lines: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth and Insurance, Wholesale Banking, and U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking.
Commitment to diversity
“People are most successful when they can be authentic about who they are at work, and don’t feel a need to self-edit and conceal aspects of their identity,” says Ron Puccini, Senior Manager of Diversity at TD. “This is why it’s important to create a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBT customers and employees at TD.”
Supporting pride at work
TD’s LGBTA-inclusion reaches every part of the organization — at all levels across the bank, and externally in their community and marketing. Some TD initiatives include: a 2,400 member Employee Pride Network; employee Pride receptions hosted by local Pride Networks; mandatory training program for all TD leaders that discusses LGBT issues and opportunities; and group mentoring for LGBT employees across all lines of business.
Cisco
Cisco is a world leader in B2B and B2C networking. As an innovator in the communications and information technology industry, Cisco and its partners sell Cisco hardware, software, and services to businesses of all sizes, governments, service providers, and consumers.
Commitment to diversity
“By creating a safe and respectful work environment, employees feel more empowered,” says Wayne Cuervo, manager of Corporate Affairs and LGBT Employee Resource group lead. “This helps to create more inclusive and productive teams. Cisco seeks to attract and develop diverse talent with the aim of exposing employees to new opportunities that break down geographic, cultural, and functional boundaries. … This inclusive culture promotes a creative, innovative, and collaborative environment that helps fuel Cisco’s business and drive value for its customers and partners.”
Supporting pride at work
Cisco has implemented several programs to ensure its workplace is LGBT-friendly, these include:
- Creating an LGBT Employee Resource Group so individuals can plan activities to help increase the participation of LGBT employees in the company.
- Implementing a reverse mentoring program, where senior company leaders are mentored by more junior staff in areas of inclusion and diversity.
- Supporting many charities and not-for-profit organizations, both from a volunteer and a fundraising aspect.
IBM
IBM has built a record of leadership. With business insights and IT solutions, the company helps clients become more innovative, efficient, and competitive. It does this by offering clients software, systems, fundamental research, and financing, to ensure they are able to deliver superior results over the long term.
Commitment to diversity
“An important question I ask myself throughout the job search process is, ’Is this kind of organization I can be my authentic self and bring my whole self to?’" says Connie Bonello, Global Diversity/LGBT Business Development Executive. “One of the things I look for to determine the level of LGBT inclusion is whether there are ‘out’ executives and role models within the organization. Out executives at IBM are listed in the company's LGBT annual report, and it’s one of the main reasons I joined IBM.
Supporting pride at work
IBM has a history of creating a positive workplace for LGBT employees. In 1991, IBM formed its LGBT Employer group, BlueQ/Nuance in Canada. In 1991, IBM providing full domestic partner benefits to gays and lesbians, six years before the mandate by the Supreme Court. And in 2011, IBM launched its ‘Teaching Respect in Schools’ anti-bullying campaign. Inside the company, IBM maintains an LGBT talent development program to identify and accelerate the development and promotions of high potential LGBT talent.
KPMG
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is the Canadian firm affiliated with KPMG International, a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. Member firms operate in 145 countries and have more than 123,000 professionals around the world.
Commitment to diversity
“Be yourself and be out from the very beginning,” says Elizabeth Reynolds, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at KPMG. “If you have LGBT related experience on your résumé, be proud of it and connect your work to the skills you have developed. A truly inclusive employer will look for a candidate with the right skills regardless of their sexual orientation. In my experience, any employer who is not inclusive is not a place you would want to work.”
Supporting pride at work
KPMG in Canada is committed to an inclusive work culture that values people’s differences. One way it reaches this goal is the development of pride@kpmg, a “people” network designed to help KPMG members provide each other with professional development resources, peer communication and community outreach. KPMG also supports LGBT community across Canada by sponsoring initiatives like: AIDS Walks, Calgary Cares, the LGBT Youth Line, Pride at Work Canada, and the Out on Bay Street conference.
Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company, with more than 246,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. As a company, it works hard to help its clients become high-performance businesses and governments.
Commitment to diversity
“When you enter the workforce, it’s the first stepping stone in your career journey,” says Lisa Kramer, campus recruitment lead and LGBT ally at Accenture in Canada. “It’s important to find a company that shares your goals and values, where you can build a personal brand to be proud of, and have the type of career you desire. We take the widest possible view of inclusion and diversity at Accenture. That’s because we know everyone brings distinct experience, talents, and culture to collaborate and help our clients achieve high performance.”
Supporting pride at work
Accenture’s Global LGBT Employee Resource Group promotes awareness and acceptance of LGBT employees, and fosters a community through mentorship and celebrating diversity. Accenture offers transitioning benefits for transgender employees, diversity training, and participates in the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Accenture won the 2011 “Outie” Award for Workplace Excellence by the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. In April 2012, Accenture and Out & Equal announced the Accenture Skills to Succeed LGBT Award for nonprofit organizations working to equip people in the LGBT community with workplace and entrepreneurial skills.