GE CitizenshipCorporate Diversity Council
The Corporate Diversity Council, which is co-chaired by chairman and CEO, Jeff Immelt, and chief diversity officer, Deborah Elam, is comprised of over 20 representatives from various businesses, functions and four of the company’s Affinity Networks — the African American Forum, Asia-Pacific American Forum, Hispanic Forum and Women’s Network. Through quarterly council meetings and detailed initiatives, diversity strategies and ideas are channeled through an operational rhythm and measured by rigorous metrics.
Recently, the council added a practice of showcasing a business or function, allowing them to take a deep dive into their diversity initiatives, challenges and opportunities. Healthcare was the first business to drill down in the third quarter of 2008, followed by the legal function, then NBC in the first quarter of 2009.
In 2008, the Affinity Networks worked to increase retention and engagement. The Asia-Pacific American Forum, which is at an all-time high for engagement, retained and leveraged talent through events such as “Bridge to Asia” and the GE Growth in Asia competition. The African American Forum used the “Global Diversity Symposium” to engage key external constituents. The Women’s Network focused on mentoring and engagement among employees by implementing a local and scalable small group mentoring program called “myConnections” to grow new, meaningful connections among female employees. The Hispanic Forum increased leadership engagement through the growing involvement from executive-band and senior professional-band level employees.
“Diversity Council members have open and candid conversations about diversity,” said Elam. “By the end of 2009, we want to be a leading edge company in technology driven diversity and inclusiveness initiatives. We are significantly accelerating the use of technology in creative ways to connect employees. This is primarily driven by the tough economic environment but also allows employees to gain access to leadership they might not have had before.” By driving virtual engagement, such as webcasts, online town halls and panel discussions, as well as leveraging travel schedules for robust local events, employees will have more opportunities to engage with senior leaders.
GE leaders are always able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The Diversity Council, led by the Affinity Networks, is doing the same.