At Voice Systems Engineering, we recognize both the historic and ongoing struggles underserved communities face. It is incumbent on us to take action to eliminate any barriers within our own company that contribute to this inequality, placing our new social contract at the center of all we do.
We want our workforce to reflect our valued customer base and the communities we live in. We passionately believe that all voices and backgrounds have a role in our success and that a culture of inclusion is the only way to move forward in today’s economy. Therefore, we are excited to establish a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program.
What is a DEI program?
A DEI program is made up of three important components:
Diversity – Embracing the range of our differences, including, but not limited to, ability, age, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
Equity – Ensuring that processes and programs are fair and impartial, providing equal potential outcomes for each member.
Inclusion – Fostering diversity and ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging.
In order to create a culture that places value on diverse thought and creates belonging for all its employees, our program will accomplish the following goals:
- Review our current policies, practices, and procedures and ensure they are inclusive and sensitive to various cultures, backgrounds, and genders.
- Develop more effective strategies to recruit and attract a diverse candidate pool.
- Promote policies and practices that are inclusive and intersectional.
- Educate current staff on unconscious bias and how to adjust perspectives.
- Create professional training opportunities that enhance DEI knowledge and understanding.
- Make discussions of DEI both a top-down and bottom-up process.
- Actively create an environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
- Create timely and relevant communications that honor all backgrounds.
- Employ a diversity calendar that celebrates the array of faiths and cultures.
- Utilize a variety of media and discussion platforms for employees to engage with.
- Communicate the benefits of DEI in meetings, correspondences, and events. We view these changes as an advantage in creating a sustainable and safe environment that embraces our employees’ differences.
At VSE, DEI will not be corporate buzzwords, but an integral and necessary piece to creating a business ethos that celebrates its people. Building a culture of belonging is fundamental to maintaining a comfortable workspace where our people feel empowered and valued. When people feel respected, everyone wins.
