Dentsply Sirona is celebrating its Global Diversity Week, scheduled for May 17 through May 21. With 15,000 employees located around the world, diversity is a vibrant part of the company’s DNA, Dentsply Sirona said.
With Global Diversity Week, the company said it is underlining its commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) across all levels of its organization. Activities will celebrate the diverse aspects that define employees as individuals within the larger Dentsply Sirona family, it said.
For example, a podcast series will feature employees speaking about their personal experiences and journey. Employees are invited to join discussions and talk about diversity and inclusion with colleagues and with members of the company’s leadership team.
Also, a virtual cookbook visualizes the diversity of Dentsply Sirona employees by presenting dishes enjoyed by employees globally, the company said. Employees are invited to share their favorite recipes to cook, experience, and get to know the stories of their colleagues.
D&I is part of Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to taking action for a brighter world and ensuring a sustainable business framework, the company said.
“The respect that we show toward individuals reflects our values as a company. Our employees are the heart of our business and the source of our greatest strength,” said Dan Key, senior vice president, chief supply chain officer, and D&I Council leader at Dentsply Sirona.
“Their commitment and their diverse backgrounds and perspectives enable us to develop innovative solutions that drive dentistry forward,” Key said. “To encourage that strength, we must ensure that employees feel inspired and empowered to achieve their full potential by bringing their whole selves to work every day.”
Dentsply Sirona said it is constantly seeking ways to foster an inclusive culture and diverse workforce.
“Diversity, equal opportunities, and inclusion pave the way for the future success of Dentsply Sirona as a global innovator in the dental market,” said Lisa Yankie, senior vice president, chief human resources officer and communications, and co-chair of the D&I Council.
“We believe that diversity and inclusion is a competitive advantage, and bringing people from diverse backgrounds together as a team benefits all of us,” Yankie said.
“According to a study by McKinsey, companies with an ethically and culturally diverse board of directors increase the probability for higher profits by 43%,” she said.
“At Dentsply Sirona, half of the Board of Directors is gender or ethnically diverse, demonstrating our commitment to lead by example,” Yankie said.
Dentsply Sirona said it established the global D&I Council to develop organizational awareness through training, career coaching, networking, ongoing communications, and talent development to ensure all employees feel empowered to do their best work.
The D&I Council comprises 14 demographically and functionally diverse employees from around the globe. It evaluates current policies and processes to increase the awareness and impact of D&I priorities and increase leaders’ ability to discuss and be held accountable for driving sustainable diversity, inclusion, and equity outcomes.
Employee resource groups (ERGs) drive D&I’s momentum even further, Dentsply Sirona said. As global networks, the ERGs are open to all employees with similar personal backgrounds and interests and foster conversations about D&I.
“The ERGs are a cornerstone of our diversity and inclusion strategy at Dentsply Sirona,” said Melanie Jenkins, senior global manager, D&I and early career programs at the company.
“Groups like Black Organization for Leadership & Development or DS Women help strengthen diversity and the promotion of underrepresented groups by empowering, connecting, and fostering employees to support them in their personal and professional development,” said Jenkins.
Nearly a thousand employees participate in ERGs around the world, Dentsply Sirona said. More ERGs will be launched, starting with PRIDE, promoting an open, inclusive, and respectful work environment for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
Also, DS Early Career will provide support and networking opportunities for employees in the early stages of their career. The Veterans ERG will connect active-duty service members and vets to support their transition to a civilian work environment and foster professional development. APAG, the Asian-Pacific American Group, will provide support and resources for the professional and personal development of Asian-Pacific employees.
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