Diversity


The more open you are the more you get back


Jodie Carroll, HR director, UK and Ireland, TD Synnex, explains why the company is committed to promoting diversity for the long term.


D


iversity is something TD Synnex believes should be embraced and celebrated. Aſter all, it is our co-workers, with all their diverse


backgrounds, skills and experiences, that make us who we are. Inclusion is one of our core values, along with Integrity, Excellence, and Collaboration and our commitment to diversity feeds and underpins all of these values and helps us to be a strong and successful business. But while it’s easy enough to state our


commitment to diversity, making it work, day to day in our business is what really matters – and that takes continuous effort and devotion. Why is diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)


important? Because it is right to treat everyone fairly and equally and it makes sense, not only for us all as individuals, but also for our business. If we want our co-workers to deliver a great service, they need to feel comfortable and happy in the workplace, whatever their beliefs, ethnicity or gender, or whether or not they have a disability or neurodiversity. We run our four business resource groups (BRGs), providing safe and inclusive communities through which our co- workers can raise awareness, share experiences, and build allyships in support of women (Elevate), LGBTQ+ co-workers (Spectrum), co-workers from different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds (Embrace), and those with a disability, hidden disability or who are neurodivergent (Limitless).


Meaningful change Our diverse and inclusive culture exists thanks to a combination of changes, such as updates to policies, new approaches to recruitment, and manager and co-worker training programmes. Te BRGs have undoubtedly played an important part in the growth of that culture, and while some have now been running for almost five years, it’s taken time for momentum to build and for co-worker engagement to increase. Once co-workers realise that positive change is possible, they get more involved and are more prepared to open up. Te consistency of effort and commitment breaks down the reticence that people have when it comes to talking about diversity issues. In a recent Limitless BRG session, one of our co-workers spoke


openly about their mental health. Another spoke about their epilepsy and how it impacts their everyday working and personal life. It was


18 | September/October 2024


encouraging to see this happening – it had only been just over a year since the launch of Limitless when the session took place, and it was heart- warming to see co-workers openly discussing their disabilities and challenges this early. You might think 12 months is a long time, but our experience with the three other BRGs had shown that it takes a while for people who are affected by DE&I issues to come out and speak openly.


Positive effects While our BRGs are run by passionate co-workers and supported by TD Synnex, it takes time to build momentum and trust. Gratifyingly, this virtuous


cycle is now having a positive effect and we are seeing increased collaboration between the BRGs, resulting in joint meetings and initiatives around topics of intersectionality. Tis is helping to further raise awareness and engagement with the broader co-worker community – which in turn supports our open and inclusive culture.


“Once co-workers realise that positive change is possible, they get more involved and are more prepared to open up.”


Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is important


not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it makes sense for our business and for our customers and partners. Everyone’s voice matters. By providing open forums in which co- workers can speak and be heard, by channelling their energy and positivity, and recognising the power of individuals, we are not only demonstrating respect and dignity for all our co-workers, but also unlocking their potential and our own – and that is what enables us to achieve outstanding results.


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