How Baxter is Winning Awards for Inclusivity
Having a diverse and inclusive work force is key in any area of business, in particularly supply chain management.
Diversity and inclusivity in the workplace are vital as it manifests itself in building a great reputation for the company, leading to increased profitability and opportunities for workers. Workplace diversity and inclusivity is important inside the organisation as well as outside. Business reputations flourish when companies can demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusivity through outreach and recruiting efforts.
An organisation that has a good reputation and is known for its ethics, fair employment and inclusivity of diverse talent is better able to attract a wider pool of qualified applicants. Other advantages include loyalty from customers who choose to do business only with companies whose practices are socially responsible.
This is particularly key within the supply chain management industry, with many businesses-including Baxter understanding this and implementing it within their structure.
Diversity in Supply Chain Management
Generally speaking, the supply chain management industry is “still in a place where women account for on average 37% or 38% of the average supply chain organisation,” said Gartner research Vice President, Dana Stiffler. “Then, as you go through the different levels of leadership, that percentage kind of drops off.”
With there being many different diverse groups of people, from women, to ethnic minorities, Baxter are employing people who fit the description of the role, regardless of their background. A more diverse workforce brings with it more diverse views and ideas – benefiting the business, as well as society.
As an equal opportunity employer, Baxter prohibits employment discrimination or harassment of applicants, employees and third parties. All employee’s complete inclusion and diversity training designed with a critical focus on unconscious bias, the effects of this and the ways to mitigate and remove it. Baxter further engages employees, encouraging them to consider their biases through embedding checks, specific suggestions and actions on ways to mitigate or remove those biases.
“Baxter is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that attracts, engages and retains a diverse work force to drive healthcare innovation that betters the lives of the patients we serve. Integrating different backgrounds and perspectives within all facets of our organisation is what allows us to continue delivering on our missions to save and sustain lives,” said, Chairman and CEO of Baxter, Joe Almeida.
Ultimately, all of this leads to supply chain management within Baxter running far smoother, with the right people who are equipped for roles being in those positions with no bias placed against them.
Baxter and Diversity
Baxter’s Global Inclusion council (GIC) is composed of approximately 15 senior leaders from the company’s businesses, regions and functions. Their job is to act as inclusion and diversity champions, advocates and leaders, expanding across the company. The GIC are responsible for a number of different matters including advocating and driving the company’s global inclusion and diversity priorities as well as developing and implementing local inclusion plants.
The GIC continues to focus globally on advancing woman and underrepresented minorities in leadership and driving inclusive leadership capabilities and culture. “Initiating new - and enhancing existing - practices that foster a diverse and inclusive culture is an important part of our ongoing business transformation,” said, chairman and chief executive officer, Jośe E. Almeida. “I’m proud to see Baxter recognised as a top-tier company for our inclusive workplace and am committed to our continued progress in this space to ensure all employees have the opportunity to grow and thrive with us.”
Baxter’s diversity and inclusion strategy are comprehensive, with robust initiatives that target recruitment and hiring practices, training schemes and leadership development opportunities.
For example, almost 200 executives have completed Gender IQ education programme since 2017. Approximately 80% of Baxter’s global leadership team are engaged in sponsorship relationships with top talent female and minority employees. Finally, eight employee-led business resource groups provide a forum for employees to enhance personal growth and multicultural understanding while strengthening relationships.
All of these programmes are contributing towards Baxter winning awards and succeeding in having an inclusive and diverse workforce. This is key to maintaining the success of the business within the supply chain industry and what it is trying to achieve.
Final Thoughts
Baxter is one of the leading and most innovative companies in hiring a diverse workforce and building a solid reputation for themselves. Through establishing and supporting employee led business resource groups the company is only increasing the diversity within its workforce and is helping them succeed within supply chain management.
Diversity and inclusivity in supply chain management is set to be a hot topic at LogiPharma 2020, being held in April, at the Nice Acropolis, France. Please download the agenda today for more information and insights.