La-Z-Boy (LZB) believes that our iC4 Values: Act with Integrity, Drive change, Be Committed, Stay Connected and Think Customer — are the core tenants of our culture. These values can only be accomplished by fully realizing and engaging diversity, inclusion and belonging across our entire organization. Collectively we must provide our employees with a safe environment to bring their authentic selves to work and establish a true sense of belonging.

Early in 2019, we established our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council (DIB) to lead the development of what diversity and inclusion should look like at La-Z-Boy. The DIB council worked diligently to brainstorm ideas and, develop the framework to implement policies that would increase diversity, and support a culture of inclusion. The key to unlocking an individual’s potential is through creating a sense of belonging. For it is belonging that drives the success of individuals and ultimately the success our organization.

We established our initial Affinity Groups in the fall of 2019 that aimed to encourage employee engagement through education, networking, advocacy, visibility and workplace collaboration. They augment our workplace culture as well as suggest improvements to policies, procedures, programs, events and initiatives that help make La-Z-Boy a great place to work.

Current Affinity Groups at La-Z-Boy:

• LZB Multicultural
• LZB Working Parents
• LZB Pride (LGBTQ+ & Allies)

With the DIB’s Council guidance, we developed three Affinity Groups for employees who share a common background or interest. The Affinity Groups are independent-- led by employees, for employees. Each group provides a safe environment for candid conversations about important issues affecting our lives and our work, both inside and outside of work.

Many of the actions taken thus far by the Affinity Groups have focused on DIB awareness and understanding. There have been companywide “Employee Spotlights”, highlighting employees and their diverse personal backgrounds; Lunch & Learn style meetings: Discussing topics such as LBGTQ+ in the Workplace and Pagan Religions; and Donation drives serving diverse communities. The momentum is growing and so will our DIB impact inside and outside of La-Z-Boy.

Katie Vanderjagt