Europe
IBM Netherlands
IBM’s equality strategy dates as far back as 1953 when the company stated that it would employ people on the basis of ability “regardless of race, colour or creed”. The company recognises diversity management as building the “bridge between the workplace and the marketplace.” The company employs diversity managers in its regional headquarters who oversee action in terms of human resource policies and processes which are in line with a particular country’s legislation.
A number of task forces have been set up to facilitate the needs of employees on the basis of race, country of origin, sexual orientation, gender and disability. The task forces also seek to expand IBM’s role in the marketplace by focusing on the various constituencies as customers. IBM has also established a number of global diversity networks allowing people the opportunity to meet, take part in workshops and learn more about other communities of interest. Groups are developed on a local basis – for example in the Netherlands groups have been established representing the interests of women and on the basis of sexual orientation. The groups are established by local employees but are supported financially and in terms of time allocation by IBM.
IBM is also highlighting the aim of inclusive leadership through international training with the aim of providing a corporate culture where people feel respected and rewarded with all their differences and similarities. Senior executives from the Netherlands have already taken part in the training raising their awareness on the need for diversity management.
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