Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a Welcoming Workplace

Since workplace diversity training emerged in the mid-1960s, diversity and inclusion (D&I) has not only become an increasingly hot topic but also a core business function – and with good reason. Time and time again, research evidences the importance of D&I to both employees and businesses. The Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) BLISS Index, for example, reveals that inclusive cultures not only increase employee happiness and empowerment but also significantly reduce attrition.

At SGK, we believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is not just beneficial but essential. In line with the continuous improvement mindset that characterizes our organisation, we are committed to building on our progress to date so our employees, partners and clients can be authentically themselves around us.

Sharing Knowledge

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is a process driven from the top. We know that when leaders and managers engage meaningfully with D&I, it sets the tone for and increases engagement within the rest of the team. At SGK, our D&I Steering Committee provides resources and training to our leaders, who proactively share these learnings with employees and provide them with the tools to address issues within their departments. Training programs cover subjects including disability awareness, cultural sensitivity, racism, sexism, and issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

We also provide interactive learning through a Quarterly Speaker Series, sub-titled ‘Uncomfortable Conversations’, which platforms discussions between company President Kevin Peters and guest speakers, including employees from underrepresented groups and community activists. The series was created in order to educate our team on racism and social injustice, demonstrate how speakers have personally experienced those issues and inspire positive change.

Supporting Suppliers

At SGK, we’re also keen to support both minority-led enterprises and companies that commit to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. For this reason, we have a Diversity Supplier Agreement in place, ensuring that our process of identifying and onboarding suppliers includes a conversation around their credentials as a diverse business. More than just a commitment on paper, our Diversity Supplier Agreement is part of our strategic approach to building a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient business.

Engaging the Community

Our mission at SGK is to reflect a powerful culture within the community in which we operate – and to enrich the community in the process. As such, our D&I initiatives go beyond the workplace. We tailor our community outreach efforts to directly address the needs of underrepresented communities in local areas. Each quarter, we engage with outside organizations that work directly with different demographics. Previous beneficiaries include Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Pittsburgh, Dress for Success of Pittsburgh, Butler Youth Baseball, and the Butler Chamber of Commerce.

Caring for the Team

For us, an inclusive workplace is also a workplace that prioritizes wellbeing and engagement, so our Wellness Committee organises quarterly events that contribute to the physical, financial, and emotional wellness of the team. Examples of past events include financial wellness seminars addressing topics like financial planning, 401Ks, benefit enrolment and investing; physical activities such as paddle boarding at Moraine State Park with Full Psych Adventure Team; and mental health initiatives including QPR Training (an emergency response to someone in crisis) and a session on work-life balance and burnout with OUTREACH Pittsburgh.

Creating a Fairer Future

At SGK, our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive future is a testament to the belief that true innovation and growth stem from embracing the full spectrum of human experience. By integrating D&I into our operations we are working to create an inclusive future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive – not only within SGK but also within the communities we call home.

Want to work for an organization that encourages authenticity in the workplace? Take a look at our careers page for opportunities to join the team.