Examples of Successfully Implemented Diversity Initiatives

examples of successful diversity initiatives

[ut_content_block][/ut_content_block]

In 2021, an employer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is crucial to creating a welcoming work environment.

With this reinvigorated focus on diversity, 2021 sees numerous diversity trends on the rise. One trend shows the actions that employers are taking to further their diversity goals in the workplace. For example, companies across the globe are implementing various initiatives such as diverse leadership or employee resource groups.

With a variety of ideas out there, you may wonder what a successful diversity program might look like for your company. By and large, successful diversity initiatives and programs will differ from company to company. The best way to find the right focus for your company is to understand your workforce.

To help you get started, we’ve put together several examples of successful diversity initiatives at some of Arizona’s best employers.

Examples of Successfully Implemented Diversity Initiatives

ADP

ADP believes the best ideas thrive in an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. One of ADP’s successful diversity initiatives is their nine Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – Adelante, Elevate, Inspire, iWin, Cultivate, Pride, Generations, Thrive, and Military Strong & Allies. BRGs are the place where associates influence the business, develop their careers, and volunteer for great causes. They are led by associates and demonstrate ADP’s inclusive culture. Another unique diversity initiative that ADP executed this past year was hosting a timely collaborative podcast featuring leaders from their LGBTQ+ (Pride) and African American (Cultivate) Business Resource Groups. Members discussed intersectionality and personal emotional stories of reflection and hope.

The hard work and dedication to supporting DEI were recognized when ADP was ranked #4 in DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2020. In 2021, ADP was the recipient of a 100% Corporate Equality Index Rating from the Human Rights Campaign for the 12th consecutive year.

CarMax

The CarMax culture of diversity and inclusion is built on a foundation of integrity and respect, driven by the company’s core values:

  • Do the right thing
  • Put people first
  • Win together
  • Go for greatness

CarMax recently established a Diversity and Inclusion Council, composed of leaders from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and business area. The CarMax Commitment to Diversity Policy illustrates CarMax’s commitment to welcoming, respecting, and celebrating the unique attributes of associates, customers, and communities.

Policies like those at CarMax help establish diversity initiatives, such as the company’s dedication to supplier diversity. Leadership at CarMax understands that the key to company success is through long-lasting supplier relationships. Thus, CarMax welcomes any organization, including those owned by women, veterans, and LGBTQ, to partner with the company.

In 2020, CarMax’s devotion to workplace diversity was recognized when the company was named Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance® has a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, which serves as the foundation of its workplace culture. To help support their employees, Farmers Insurance® offers programs such as Employee Resource Groups.

Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, aid in supporting employees’ professional and personal growth. Farmers Insurance is home to several ERGs, including the Black Professionals Alliance, Disability Inclusion Group, Farmers Asian Alliance, and more.

In 2020, Farmers was named as one of AZCentral’s Top Companies to Work for in Arizona. Additionally, the national insurer was recognized as one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies in 2020.

GoDaddy

To best serve a global community, GoDaddy strives to provide inclusion and equality for its employees.

One unique example of a successful diversity initiative at GoDaddy is the company’s partnership with Stanford. Starting in 2013, GoDaddy partnered with VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab to become a top workplace for women in technology. An area that this partnership focused on was unconscious biases at GoDaddy. As a result, GoDaddy has implemented initiatives to reduce unconscious bias in people processes, such as performance reviews and promotions.

GoDaddy’s commitment to becoming a great place to work was recognized in 2020 when they were named one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies in 2020.

Liberty Mutual

The leaders at Liberty Mutual recognize that diversity is crucial in creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. Liberty Mutual shows its investment in diversity with a multiyear plan to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Liberty Mutual’s multiyear plan includes several diversity programs and initiatives that align with the company’s DEI goals. For example, the company aims to increase the representation of women and people of color at all levels by 2025. To achieve this, Liberty Mutual has started Employee Resource Groups to better support employees. Liberty Mutual also strives to support military and veterans through programs like Valor@Liberty that aid them in building fulfilling careers.

Liberty Mutuals’ DEI efforts were recognized when the company received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in 2021.

Spear Education

At Spear Education, the company culture is one where employees feel heard, supported and engaged. A central part of this inclusive culture are two Employee Resource Groups; LGBTQ+ & Allies and the Alliance for Cultural Diversity. These groups work to promote diversity and inclusion as well as to drive positive and innovative change both inside and outside the organization through education, support and community service.

Spear Education was recognized for its inclusive culture when named AZcentral’s Top Companies to Work For in Arizona. In addition, Spear Education was one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies in 2020.

 

Looking for more examples of successful diversity initiatives?
Check out BestCompaniesAZ to see the unique ways that the top employers in Arizona promote diversity and inclusion!

 

Share this article
Award-Winning Companies

Click on a program below to meet Arizona’s most diverse, veteran-focused, award-winning companies.

Best Employers

The pay is good, the perks are awesome, but it’s more than that. Respect, opportunity, balance, fun, and pride – you don’t want to settle for less. Why should you? Your dream job is looking for you.

Get updates

Join our network for updates on events, career openings, best practices, and more!

Let us elevate your employer brand

Want to build your employer brand in Arizona? Need help applying for a company award? Looking to fill your talent pipeline?

We can help! We’ve been doing this for 20 years.

Best Career Advice

Best Companies for Women

Want to learn about the best companies for women? This blog post shares top companies for women and what makes each company stand out.

Learn more about Arizona's best companies!

Get our e-news specifically for employers and job seekers – it includes the latest career opportunities, recruiting and networking events and job search tips. Stay ahead of the game on workplace awards, recruiting events and employer branding best practices.