Novozymes operates in many different countries and employs individuals with vastly different backgrounds. Our workforce is diverse with respect to numerous social, cultural and educational aspects.
In order to leverage this important asset, we have initiated a company-wide managing diversity project to build awareness amongst all employees, and to develop managerial competencies in the area of diversity and inclusion. This project has a combined global and local scope.
Global managing diversity project
With respect to the global scope of this project, we have held organisation-wide seminars and provided diversity management courses for managers with the responsibility of managing groups of three or more. We have also developed tools for managers to help them work with diverse teams.
In 2006, we carried out a broad communication campaign. General awareness was raised about the opportunities that result from respecting differences and creating an inclusive working environment where all individuals have equal opportunities.
Local value integration
In conjunction with the global programmes and activities, seven of Novozymes’ international sites set diversity management targets annually. They also plan initiatives and follow-up actions in their local strategies for social responsibility that reflect each site’s particular situation and challenges.
The strategies ensure that the important process of local value integration with respect to diversity management reaches all corners of the organisation. These local strategies and initiatives will be supported globally over the next several years.