GHD's Diversity Planning Fosters Inclusion Initiatives

In an era where workplace diversity and inclusion are not merely buzzwords but essential components of a thriving corporate culture, GHD Ltd. has emerged as a beacon of progress. Through innovative initiatives and a dedicated approach, they are setting a standard for what it means to foster an inclusive work environment. This article delves into the strategies employed by GHD to enhance diversity and inclusion across their global operations.

The multifaceted roles at GHD

Melinda Mah exemplifies the diverse roles that can be found within GHD Ltd. She manages administration for the Ontario Integrated Water Management Business Group, oversees document accessibility, and co-chairs the Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group (ERG). Her journey reflects a workplace that encourages initiative and curiosity.

“People say I have initiative,” Mah shares, highlighting the supportive culture that empowers employees to seek out new challenges. This environment not only allows for professional growth but also fosters a sense of belonging among its workforce.

GHD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1928, GHD is a global network providing professional services across multiple sectors, including water, energy, resources, environment, property, and transportation. One of the standout aspects of GHD is its employee ownership model, with nearly a quarter of employees offered shares in the business.

Sadaf Parvaiz, the global leader for inclusion and diversity at GHD, emphasizes the company's commitment to recognizing the contributions of those who chair ERGs. "Now we’ve formalized recognition of those roles as part of our performance evaluation process," she explains. This formal acknowledgment highlights the company's genuine interest in fostering diverse representation.

The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

ERGs have been a part of GHD's strategy for years, but recent developments have brought a more structured approach. The introduction of an ERG playbook provides essential guidelines, defining roles and expectations while allowing each group the freedom to tailor their focus.

• Encouraging collaboration and communication among diverse groups.
• Providing educational resources about various aspects of diversity.
• Creating platforms for sharing personal experiences and challenges.

Mah notes that her ERG serves not only as a support network but also as a space for educating colleagues about neurodiversity, including conditions like ADHD and dyspraxia. This educational component fosters greater awareness and understanding across the organization.

Accessibility initiatives

Mah’s involvement with the Global Accessibility Working Group illustrates GHD's commitment to inclusivity. She played a key role in developing a presentation for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, sharing practical strategies to enhance document accessibility for everyone.

“There was brainstorming, discussion, and great feedback,” Mah recalls, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event. The initiative demonstrated how simple technological tools could significantly improve accessibility, benefiting not only individuals with disabilities but the entire workforce.

• Utilizing transcription features to enhance communication.
• Creating bookmarks in documents for easier navigation.
• Adopting user-friendly formats that accommodate various needs.

Parvaiz states that these endeavors are part of a broader strategy to empower employees to self-identify and share demographic information, which helps GHD address the specific needs of diverse communities.

Partnerships and community engagement

GHD's commitment to diversity extends to its partnerships with external organizations. The company is a member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and actively tracks its spending with Indigenous and other underrepresented vendors. This initiative not only promotes economic growth within these communities but also strengthens GHD's corporate social responsibility.

Furthermore, GHD is implementing an Indigenous learning program for all employees, developed in collaboration with Indigenous vendors. This initiative is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and issues, promoting a more inclusive workplace.

Gender diversity goals

As part of its diversity strategy, GHD has set an ambitious goal to ensure that women occupy 40 percent of roles at all organizational levels by 2030. Currently, women represent 34 percent of the workforce in Canada, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement.

“A great driver of our work is that the leadership team has committed to continuing work on diversity and inclusion initiatives long term,” Parvaiz remarks. This long-term perspective is crucial in creating lasting change and fostering a truly inclusive corporate culture.

The impact of leadership on inclusion

Leadership support is paramount in the success of ERGs at GHD. Each group is paired with an executive sponsor, ensuring that their initiatives and needs are heard and addressed at the highest levels of the organization. This executive backing not only legitimizes the importance of these groups but also helps to cultivate an inclusive environment.

Mah appreciates this support, stating, “GHD has built in executive support for the ERGs, and we have a global diversity and inclusion leader.” This thoughtful approach reinforces the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of its corporate ethos.

Benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace

GHD's initiatives provide numerous benefits that extend beyond compliance and social responsibility. A diverse and inclusive workplace can lead to:

• Enhanced creativity and innovation through varied perspectives.
• Improved employee satisfaction and retention rates.
• Greater market insights and understanding of diverse customer needs.
• Stronger team performance resulting from collaborative efforts.
• Increased adaptability and resilience in changing market conditions.

By investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives, GHD not only enhances its internal culture but also positions itself as a more competitive player in the global market.

More from Canada’s Best Diversity Employers