Dow today released its first-ever annual Inclusion Report, titled SHINE, which puts a spotlight on the Company’s global INclusion 2020 strategy and progress in 2017.

Dow accelerated actions, deepened its commitment to strengthening inclusion and diversity (I&D) across the organization and implemented a fully integrated and holistic strategy. This included institutionalizing a new I&D governance structure that shares ownership among Dow’s leadership and drives accountability for creating a more inclusive work environment down and across the Company. Building an inclusive workplace for all will benefit employees, customers, suppliers, communities and the bottom line.

“Inclusion is essential to Dow’s future success and this report demonstrates our strong commitment to being transparent about our progress and holding ourselves accountable,” said Jim Fitterling, the chief executive officer of Dow. “Our goal is to build a culture where everyone is respected and valued and has an equal opportunity to develop, advance and be heard.”

“At Dow, we intentionally lead with inclusion because, without it, we cannot attract, retain or engage a talented and diverse workforce or reap the full human and financial benefits,” said Karen S. Carter, chief human resources officer, and chief inclusion officer of Dow. “There is little value in a diverse workforce if you do not have an inclusive culture that encourages and enables all people to make their fullest contribution.”

Dow has many Employee Resource Group to support and empower it’s employees.  GLAD is the chemical industry’s first LGBTQ+ employee resource group. It was formed more than 15 years ago, to improve equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heteroflexible in the workplace.  GLAD has 120 local chapters globally.

The SHINE Inclusion report focuses on three areas:

Illuminating the Path Forward: Dow appointed its first-ever chief inclusion officer, created a governance structure that drives accountability for I&D, and developed and implemented a global inclusion strategy that is an integral part of the business strategy. The Company intentionally leads with inclusion because, without an inclusive workplace, diversity is just a numbers game.

Championing Inclusion, Shining Brighter Together: Dow is helping its employees shine brighter through global I&D workshops and skills development programs for leaders and employees, and supporting several employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are fostering a culture of inclusion by functioning as catalysts that help drive culture change and advance business results. More than 10,000 employees globally were involved in at least one of Dow’s eight ERGs which included 186 chapters in 2017. The Company also launched two new ERGs in 2018 focused on new and mature employee groups.

Shining Light on Inclusion beyond Dow’s Borders: Dow’s work in inclusion is also focused on customers, suppliers and the larger community. The Company’s efforts include developing a more diverse supplier base, supporting public policy that contributes to a more inclusive workplace and building the skilled workforce of tomorrow that will meet customers’ needs.

To learn more about Dow’s INclusion 2020 Strategy and progress, view the full report, visit www.dow.com.

For more about DOW and it’s LGBT Employee environment check out the below:

• Dow Named by Human Rights Campaign Foundation as 2018 “Best Place to Work” for LGBTQ Equality
• Out & Equal Honors Johnson & Johnson, The Dow Chemical Company and The Walt Disney Company at 2015 Out & Equal Workplace Summit
• Dow Leaders Honored on OUTstanding’s 2017 Leading LGBT+ and Ally Professionals List
• Dow Chemical Honors Its LGBT Business Leaders
• DOW Chemical employee’s quest for LGBT rights

More on OutBüro:

• LGBT Queer People Face Challenges Being Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Fields
• Study finds LGBT people less likely to be hired, paid less, and not promoted
• LGBT Workers in over half of the United States lack full protection
• Studies Show Men Get Penalized for Not Holding to Masculine Norms in the Office

About Dow

About the author: Dennis Velco

An LGBTQ social entrepreneur who focuses on strengthening the global LGBTQ+ through connecting, engaging, online, and in person.