Employing Cultural Values to Promote Diversity and Inclusion at BHP
As the global workforce continues to evolve, many businesses are embracing diversity and inclusion as core values. This move towards multiculturalism is not only a moral obligation but has also been proven to drive innovation and boost company performance.
BHP, the largest mining firm in the world, has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion. In this article, we examine how the company’s cultural values foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
What is BHP?
BHP is an Anglo-Australian multinational mining company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. With a workforce of over 80,000 employees worldwide, the company operates across several continents, extracting a variety of minerals, including iron ore, coal, and copper.
BHP’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
BHP has established several programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The company has put measures in place to ensure that its workforce is representative of its customers, suppliers, and the communities it operates in.
BHP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is embodied in its four core values:
Inclusive
BHP’s core value of inclusiveness assures that everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued for who they are. The company believes that team diversity drives innovation and is committed to engaging with employees who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Respectful
BHP’s core value of respect underscores the need for all employees to recognize and appreciate the differences that make each individual unique. The company promotes a culture where every employee feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, irrespective of rank or status.
Courageous
The company’s core value of courage calls on employees to have the courage to speak up, voice their opinions and challenge assumptions. This value ensures that everyone has a voice and is willing to make a difference in the workplace.
Accountable
BHP’s core value of accountability ensures that every employee is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace. The company has put in place measures to ensure that employees feel safe to report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
Results and Benefits of BHP’s Diversity and Inclusion Programs
BHP’s focus on diversity and inclusion has led to tangible results and benefits. The company has seen higher employee engagement, improved retention rates, and an increase in its customer base.
One significant example is the company’s focus on hiring more women in senior leadership positions. In 2016, BHP set a target of having women represent 50 percent of its workforce by 2025. By 2020, women made up 28 percent of the company’s executive leadership team and 22 percent of its Board of Directors.
Conclusion
BHP’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace have resulted in tangible benefits such as improved company performance, higher employee engagement, and an increase in its customer base. With its core values of inclusiveness, respect, courage, and accountability, the company has been able to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued irrespective of their background or identity.
