Diversity, equity and inclusion has been a focal point for Michelle Nettles, chief people and culture officer of ManpowerGroup, for several years. She proudly states, “There are multiple areas where we lead the pack.” In 2018, the company set a global gender diversity goal for its leadership across the company to be 40% female by 2024. “We’re working diligently to reach that goal by examining who we’re hiring, promoting and enrolling in development programs.”
There are other notable areas where the organization is leveling the playing field for women. Take women’s professional attire, which often costs more, takes longer to prepare in the morning, and impacts things like travel more than men’s attire. The “Work Your Way and Dress Your Day” initiative, championed by Nettles, accelerated by remote work during the pandemic, allows for more lenient dress policies during working hours.
The social and racial unrest of 2020 also increased the organization’s focus on equity for people of color in North America. On the heels of George Floyd’s death, company leadership and employee resource groups started courageous conversations in communities like Milwaukee and Minneapolis, with some 400 team members participating. “They were sometimes raw but authentic, exploring notions like white privilege and fragility.” Leadership took what was shared and looked for ways to bring that to life. “One way we did that was by launching the Diversity Inclusion Council, where I serve as a member. We use a training program for leadership with 10 steps for conscious inclusion.”
“ManpowerGroup’s purpose is that meaningful and sustainable employment has the power to change the world,” Nettles says. “I have a personal mission of helping people achieve their dreams. I want to help people make their differences their strengths. If we can do that, it makes the world better.”
2023 DE&I Influencers List