AnniVersAry issue - Inside Edison - Edison International

Diversity & Inclusion:
valuing
differences
Employees with a rich variety of viewpoints,
experiences and voices are one of Edison
International’s greatest assets. Creating
an environment where employees can learn and
benefit from each other’s unique perspectives is
critical to reaching the potential of this powerful
resource. Across the company, diversity and inclusion
teams help create a more inclusive work environment
and show employees at all levels how
to incorporate the principles of respect, value and
trust into their day-to-day work.
Embracing Our Differences
Most people see workforce diversity as different
races, genders and ages. But it also includes diversity
of thought, communication style, life experience,
educational background and other variables
that influence personal perspectives. Having a
diverse employee base benefits both the company
and its customers. Employees can connect
with customers better if their perspectives reflect
the customers and communities they serve. For
instance, customer service representatives can
provide better service if they can relate to their
customers and speak their native languages.
Inclusion means the appreciation of all people
regardless of their differences. In particular, inclusion
means respect, making employees feel valued
and establishing trust. People who feel respected
and valued at work are more efficient and engaged.
Inclusion is difficult to quantify or measure, but
the benefits are clear—engaged employees are
more productive, putting up to 400 percent more
discretionary effort into their work.
Making Diversity Work
Weaving these principles into the fabric of the
company begins with hiring. Along with its focus
on Equal Opportunity compliance, SCE is emphasizing
the importance of inclusion. “We want to
make sure that we attract candidates who can provide
a variety of perspectives,” said Eddie Moreira,
SCE Diversity & Inclusion.
When employees bring those perspectives to
their work, the company’s diversity becomes a
strength. “Employees who feel respected and valued
are more likely to share their ideas, which
drives innovation and creativity,” said Moreira.
“Respect, teamwork, continuous improvement—
it’s all right there in our company values.” The
Diversity & Inclusion department’s strategy for
turning this goal into reality starts with engaging
leaders. “Managers set the tone, so when they
make respect a priority and treat employees with
respect, it becomes the standard in the workplace,”
said Moreira.
Edison Mission Energy is doing similar work
to achieve the same benefits. Last year, EME’s
diversity task force evolved into a Diversity & Inclusion
Council, made up of employees from all
business units and levels. The council meets bimonthly
and fosters awareness of diversity and
inclusion through activities such as posting employee
profiles on Portal, developing educational
information, assessing how to improve diversity
get
involved
SCE: Employee resource groups
provide opportunities to network,
give back to the community and
learn about different cultures,
generations, ethnicities, sexual
orientation, gender and other
topics of interest. Find out how
to join on Portal at About Me >
Work-Life > Clubs and
Organizations.
EME: Employees can contact
DiversityInclusionatEMG@
edisonmission.com to find
out more about the company’s
diversity and inclusion efforts.
in employee recruitment and increasing awareness
of different behavioral styles. “We want employees
to bring their whole selves to work so that
they’re fully engaged,” said Michael Perez, Edison
Mission Marketing & Trading’s Human Resources
director. “For example, introverted team members
need to feel comfortable expressing their opinions
so we can benefit from their perspectives as well.”
“Inclusion is about everybody,” said Kristi
Campbell, SCE principal manager, Diversity &
Inclusion. “It’s important for each of us to take
personal responsibility for living our values and to
encourage others to do the same.”
On the Cover: Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jesse Acosta spoke
about his experiences in the U.S. Army and his nonprofit
organization, Thank a Vet, during an SCE Disability
Awareness event on Oct. 16 in Rosemead, Calif.
Supplier
Diversity
at SCE
10 insideedison • http://inside.edison.com
Project Manager
Tod Bartholomay
explained an SCE program
to an attendee at
the Hispanic Heritage
Month Celebration
on Oct. 5 in Irwindale,
Calif.
SCE employees
attended a Chinese
New Year celebration
sponsored by
the Edison Chinese
Connection employee
resource group in
March.
To draw from as wide a
pool of third-party vendors
as possible, Southern
California Edison actively
seeks out business with
companies owned by women,
minorities or people with
disabilities. Learn more on
Portal at Business Areas >
Operations Support > Tools
and Resources > Supplier
Diversity and Development.
SCE Diversity &
Inclusion’s Eddie
Moreira talked
to an attendee at
the Operational
Excellence Open
House on May 30
in Rosemead, Calif.
http://inside.edison.com • november 2012 11