EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS: EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE Remarks by Bob Niven Resident Adviser to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 1. What do these employers have in common? Microsoft IBM IKEA GlaxoSmithKline Goldman Sachs BBC McDonalds British Telecom And 500 other leading companies/organisations

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 2. Structure of Remarks Developments in equalities in Europe Why do equalities at work matter to employers? How to succeed on equalities – examples and practices How to succeed even more

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 3. Developments in Europe Pressures from within Society and the Labor Market  Demography  Education, Identities and Individual Self Confidence  Human resources (people!) as a key asset  Law and Equality Commissions  Divided societies External pressures  Globalization and competition  Mobility and diversity  International standards and trade Action at national, employer, and group/individual levels

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 4. Why do equalities at work matter to business? Huge spending power of “disadvantaged” consumers and those close to them Talented, skilled and motivated workforce Understanding of markets, purchasers and suppliers Minimize legal risk Enhance reputation and corporate social responsibility The moral case - employers and staff are human beings The external social environment

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EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 6. Some examples McKinseys - diversified recruitment processes Legal & General – diversified sales contact centre and website B&Q - expanded employment of older sales staff led to 50% increased sales to older people and their families Marks & Spencer – sales staff, supervisors & managers Belgian Cellphone Hospitals Northern Ireland

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 7. How Companies Succeed on Disability A Board level champion Every business unit progressively shares responsibility: HR, products & services, planning, marketing Involve disadvantaged employees, customers and experts in all aspects of the business Train all managers and staff All aspects of employment – outreach, recruitment an selection, terms & conditions, induction, training & development, promotion, Establish baselines; set and meet demanding standards Use partnerships with suppliers and purchasers Measure, report, evaluate, apply the lessons

EQUALITIES MEAN BUSINESS SUCCESS 8. How to Succeed Even More Network with similarly minded companies Make the most of the Diversity Forum Influence the priorities of your Employers Association Be up-to-date with the work, publications and guidance of the EEOC Set a personal example