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This morning I’m preparing for a meeting with my colleagues in Real Estate to discuss strategies on how we can improve accessibility in key locations.Ìý

Since the anonymous Self-IDentification survey taken in February 2024, projects like this are becoming more effective. We now know a lot more about the ethnicity, disability status, gender and other aspects of our workforce around the world. This information is helping us to be more specific in our goals, and it’s uncovering new opportunities for growth and improvements we hadn’t known about before.Ìý

For example, some respondents who self-identified as having a disability shared that they sometimes struggle with access to specific resources. This survey data has allowed us to specifically identify where accessibility could be improved.Ìý

Employees identifying as LGBTQIA+ showed that they wish for increased awareness of the topic within µÂÖÝÆË¿ËÔÚÏß. As an action, we’re preparing awareness courses for all employees to help prevent discrimination and harassment.Ìý

In order to address specific I&D topics in different regions of the world, we’ve created 14 regional committees in our branches consisting of employees and managers. And it’s not just lip service. These committees address their ideas directly to Maria Ferraro, who is both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer at µÂÖÝÆË¿ËÔÚÏß. The engagement of our employees grows year after year thanks to our I&D program.Ìý

The truth is that when our employees feel comfortable and integrated, this also impacts our company’s success. It helps us attract and retain talent and leads to more creative and innovative solutions to challenges. What’s more, customers can better identify with our company and products when served by local employees with the same cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In that regard, inclusion and diversity offer us a competitive advantage. And, frankly, it’s going to take perspectives from all parts of society to innovate for a sustainable world.Ìý

As I see it, inclusion and diversity goes beyond the walls of our company. Encouraging respect and openness to diversity and other identities at µÂÖÝÆË¿ËÔÚÏß improves the larger society we’re living in. This is also personal concern of mine. I have a son and daughter, and I want to help make the world of work and the world in general a better place for them.