Workplace Boost: Powering Diversity and Inclusion Around the World

How do organizations build a diverse and inclusive culture? Let's explore.
Nov 14, 2014 5:00 PM ET

Innovation flourishes in a diverse environment. So how do organizations build a diverse and inclusive culture? In this article, we take a look at BNY Mellon’s latest global diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Launched by Chairman and CEO Gerald Hassell, BNY Mellon’s latest workplace-oriented diversity and inclusion campaign took the form of a relay -- from East to West – across the company’s global footprint. BNY Mellon, known as the Investments Company for the World, employs some 50,000 people in 35 countries and 100 markets. The 2014 campaign is centered on the firm’s commitment to investing in, developing and engaging its employees.

Powering Diversity and Inclusion Around the World, the 2014 campaign theme, offers country-by-country opportunities for employees to celebrate the firm’s many accomplishments to advance a diverse and inclusive workplace. The campaign continues through November 21.

“We continue to make excellent strides in advancing diversity and inclusion while growing our brand and reputation in the marketplace as a coveted employer for the world’s best talent,” said Jyoti Chopra, BNY Mellon’s Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion.

Chopra notes recent highlights as shared points of pride for all employees:

  • Growth of the company’s internal and external diverse talent pipeline, with several hundred experienced level candidates identified.
  • Increased client and business engagement around diversity and inclusion through educational forums and symposia. Examples range from client events in London to diversity-oriented workshops for clients in Tokyo and New York.
     
  • External marketplace recognition as a place where diverse talent can excel and grow. BNY Mellon earned 22 external diversity awards last year, double the number from the prior year, and for 2014 BNY Mellon has accepted 20 awards to date.
     
  • Unconscious Bias diversity e-learning course for all employees worldwide.
  • A Global Diversity and Inclusion Council led and sponsored by BNY Mellon Chairman and CEO Gerald Hassell. The Council includes 40 leaders from all lines of business, business partner groups and regions.
     
  • Five employee-powered resource groups represent a vibrant and thriving employee community at BNY Mellon, with membership consisting of more than 20 percent of the company’s employees. With nearly 140 chapters globally, these groups add fuel to the company's diversity and inclusion agenda. Each employee resource group has an Executive Sponsor, with a chapter structure and shared resources for year-round programming and employee leadership development opportunities.

HEART–focuses on increasing awareness of the needs of those with disabilities

IMPACT–focuses on the recruitment, development and advancement of multicultural employees

Prism–fosters an open and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and their allies

VetNet–supports our desire to hire service members and veterans and to help with their transition to civilian life

WIN–focuses on the professional development of women

With the highest level of executive support and sponsorship at BNY Mellon, the 2014 campaign offers a strong fit for advancing the company’s diversity strategy as a business imperative for building collaboration across a diverse global workplace. With a groundswell of employee involvement starting with the launch in the company’s Asia-Pacific region, BNY Mellon is accelerating its diversity and inclusion across the globe. Learn more: www.bnymellon.com/diversity or www.bnymellon.com/careers.