Shawmut is committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce, and we have an active, company-wide diversity initiative to drive this process. We define diversity as valuing and leveraging differences among people. We believe a wide range of perspectives produces a more creative environment and facilitates better decision-making. In addition, our clients and business partners are increasingly diverse and we must understand and address their needs. Our goal is to have all members of Shawmut recognize, understand, appreciate, and use the diversity of our company to drive our success and the success of our clients and business partners. And, we strive to use our skills in diversity to continue to make Shawmut a great place to work for everyone!
Key aspects of diversity at Shawmut include:
Networking Groups: These groups provide mentoring, support, and an opportunity to build skills for working in a diverse environment. Networking groups include: Women, People of Color, Managers of People of Color, Men, and International.
Training:
- Cultural Awareness Training: Employees build awareness and provided with tools and a common language with which to talk about diversity and multi-culturalism.
- Managing Diversity: People managers are provided with tools, skills, and a common language for managing a diverse group of employees.
- Lunch and Learns: These monthly lunchtime sessions cover a variety of topics related to diversity including: Modern and Internalized Oppression, Gender Differences and Communication, Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues, and Age and Generational Differences.
Issue Resolution Program (IRP): The IRP is a voluntary and optional process to provide employees with multiple options for coaching and support when faced with a challenging situation with their manager. In addition to members of People Strategies Team (PST), there are Ombuds People from across the organization available. They are trained in diversity issues, coaching, and mediation practices. The IRP supports both employees and managers to work together to resolve issues.
Diversity Leadership Group: This purpose of this group to advise, support, and drive the goals of Shawmut. It is comprised of people of color, white men, white women, and those with varying sexual preferences, from across all levels and all functions.
Diversity Assessment/Climate Survey: These assessments provide Shawmut with data on diversity progress which is used to develop specific goals and action plans to move us forward.
