Diversity and inclusion are essential pillars for building a thriving and innovative workplace. Embracing a diverse workforce fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving, and drives better decision-making. At the Dutch Business Community in Brazil, we are committed to celebrating these principles, which is why Diversity & Inclusion is one of the categories in the Dutcham Inspire Awards. showcasing the exceptional efforts of companies that are leading the way in creating inclusive cultures and promoting diversity within their teams.
We invite you to explore the incredible projects submitted in the D&I category for the Dutcham Inspire Awards 2024 below:
AkzoNobel - The Reverse Mentoring
The Reverse Mentoring on Diversity Equity & Inclusion is another initiative of our approach to Sustainability: putting people and society first. The program is in line with the way AkzoNobel looks at our people: acting with integrity and respect for human rights, embracing diversity, equity and inclusion and thus transforming our work environment and the communities in which we operate. With the objective of opening another space for dialogue and awareness on the theme of Diversity Equity & Inclusion, the Reverse Mentoring comes as an opportunity to share the experiences of people belonging to diversity groups, contributing to a more inclusive, welcoming and empathetic environment.
In this space of exchange, learning and development, the person with a more senior position is mentored, having as a mentor a person with a more junior position with specific knowledge about diversity and inclusion, creating a space for dialogue, learning and reflection on both sides. The Reverse Mentoring about DE&I is based on the idea that: telling stories (helping listeners to broaden their worldview and creating bridges that can bring people together) and listening to stories (expaning our understanding of the world) can connect us, create bridges, and help us understand more about each of us and the world around us.
Arcadis - The Career Development Program.
In 2023, we will proudly launch a training and mentoring program dedicated to empowering women from underrepresented groups. This program proved to be such a success that we later expanded to also include black and brown professionals, further expanding our impact. The objective of the program is to prepare these employees to occupy leadership roles in our business and provide more equitable career opportunities.
The Career Development Program aimed at women, launched by Arcadis in 2023, was a significant milestone that involved employees from all of the company's business units in Brazil. With a notable impact, 7 of the 25 participants were promoted upon completion of the program, reflecting the success and effectiveness of the initiative. This journey not only represented a decisive step forward for gender equity within Arcadis, but also highlighted our commitment to investing in the growth and development of our employees.
Deerns - Women in STEM.
The discussion about women's entry into STEM areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has taken on increasing proportions. However, girls do not always have equal opportunities to complete and benefit from an education of their choice, particularly in STEM fields. Aware of this issue, Deerns has sought to develop actions and initiatives that promote the hiring and appreciation of women in its workforce, thus considering the diversity of its group, providing opportunities and conditions so that more and more women can have their space in this sector. . As a result of its actions, Deerns Brasil currently has 42% of its workforce made up of women, and in leadership positions (managers and directors) this percentage is 50%.
To achieve this, the company has developed a wide range of actions such as: searching for potential candidates; the development of technical internship and apprenticeship programs (The program was completed with the hiring of 8 women and 3 men, 36% of whom were black); the implementation of strategic people management and salary review processes; the inclusion of the company in the Citizen Company Program, which extends the maternity leave period to 6 months; maintaining the meal benefit throughout the period of maternity/paternity leave and greater flexibility in returning to the office in person after leave; and the search for building a work environment that guarantees psychological safety.
dsm-firmenich - Unleashing Innovation and Success Through Diverse Abilities.
The project, created in 2015 in collaboration with APAE, an institution that defends and guarantees the rights of people with intellectual and multiple disabilities, started with just one position. In 2023, our dream has come true: more than 14 people have become part of our group, bringing remarkable benefits through their diverse perspectives. Their unique points of view and problem-solving skills have led to innovative solutions and improved services.
This project has delivered the following benefits to the company, customers, and community:
(1) Enhanced Company Culture: Inclusive workplaces promote a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect, improving morale and job satisfaction for all employees.
(2) Low Turnover Rates: The turnover rate of this group is the lowest in the company and more areas are eager to have this experience as well. (3) Adaptable Workplaces: We have managed to make our workplaces more adaptable and flexible, benefiting all employees.
(4) Improved Reputation: Our company has been viewed more favorably by customers, enhancing our reputation and attracting diverse business opportunities. By embracing diverse abilities, we are not only fostering innovation but also creating a more inclusive business environment.
KLM - Seat of Pride, Diversity takes you further.
To reinforce KLM's solid experience in supporting Diversity and Inclusion, in 2023 we created an activation on Avenida Paulista, the heart of São Paulo. Not only to show KLM's respect and support for the cause, but also to give the public the opportunity to show their pride and support.
With the motto “diversity takes you further”, the activation showed the public the company's initiatives that promote diversity, from discounted airline tickets to LGBT Friendly destinations to an internal program to create an environment free from racism, aggression and discrimination. Internal diversity metrics in which departments that achieve them are rewarded.
Also during this action, the company announced a partnership with the NGO Casarão Brasil, also supported by the Dutch Consulate in São Paulo. The institution welcomes and cares for international refugees who had to leave their countries simply because they are transgender.
KPMG - Impulse program, advancing racial equality and inclusion.
In a country that still has a long way to go in promoting racial equality, KPMG’s program empowers young black individuals with the knowledge and the confidence to speak to the world. Through virtual English language education and learning on digital platforms, this program, exclusively for black youth, accelerates the promotion of racial equality in the job market.
SBM Offshore - The Diversity and Inclusion Library.
The Diversity and Inclusion Library seeks to create a culture of empowerment, diversity, equity and inclusion within SBM. Through transformative books, we want to broaden perspectives, start conversations and promote positive change. We believe that knowledge and education are essential tools for social transformation.
Our carefully curated collection includes 92 titles on different topics related to D&I, leadership and personal development. The collection has 232 volumes distributed between the offices in Rio de Janeiro and Santos. From thought-provoking narratives to insightful bibliographies, each book is designed to empower individuals at all levels, including children's literature. We encourage people to share about the books they read. Authors include: Angela Davis, Martin Luther King, Malala Yousafzai, Linn da Quebrada, Nelson Mandela and Anne Frank. Employee satisfaction index 4.6% (0 to 5). In 2023, we held awareness sessions that impacted more than 1,100 onshore and offshore employees, with emphasis on Black Consciousness Week, in which we distributed 300 volumes of the book "Small Antiracist Manual" by Djamila Ribeiro.
Shell - Innovation and Success Through Diverse Abilities.
Nácar Digital is an inclusive recruitment and development program designed to align with the demands of digital transformation projects such as Shell.DIY. Conceived by the HR team in collaboration with IT and Business departments, the program spans two years per round and integrates the Do It Yourself concept, business knowledge, digital tools, technical training, soft skills, and continuous English training.
Supergasbras - #Movimentomulherando.
Supergasbras faces Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as female empowerment, from a perspective involving change of mindset. It aims to enhance the levels of attraction and retention of women and to improve the representation rates of women in the company, as well as in leadership positions.
In this context, Supergasbras develops important projects such as the Women's Movement, Women's Energy, Women in Operation, Women's Mentoring, in addition to “Avançar” (a Program for the development of Coordinators) and the global project “Taking The Stage” (a global program dedicated to women's empowerment and communication), the latter being an initiative aimed specifically at company’s female leaders.
The Supergasbras Development Academy was also created, bringing together a set of projects focused on leaders and affinity groups. They are responsible for disseminating content, encouraging critical reflection on important issues and supporting ideas related to DE&I topics in their business units throughout the Brazilian territory.
Each project and action mentioned has helped us to overcome challenges and achieve strategic results, strengthening dialogue and good practices within the company.
