At Floor & Decor, we believe our diversity will support us in maintaining our competitive edge as we grow. We are confident that building on our inclusive culture will enable us to foster an environment where all associates feel a sense of belonging and have an opportunity to achieve their potential. In 2020, we realized that our leaders and associates were all at different phases of their individual DE&I journeys.

In an effort led by our heads of Associate Relations and Learning—with full consensus from our Executive Leadership Team—we championed inclusiveness and launched an enterprise-wide D&I and unconscious bias training program. We partnered with a world-class leader in training solutions to provide associates across all ranks, functions, and locations throughout our business with two self-paced, e-learning modules. Soon after, we appointed our first VP of DE&I, which increased our momentum for creating awareness and initiating dialogue on the importance of eliminating unconscious bias and promoting diversity and inclusion. The modules were made mandatory for all associates.

As a result, our workforce has completed the training modules and all new associates receive the training during their onboarding program. Though our D&I and unconscious bias training modules are mandatory, effectively communicating the initiative was key to obtaining buy-in from all levels of the business. The effort has proven effective in generating awareness for D&I and unconscious bias while creating space for genuine dialogue in this area. Also, in addition to supporting our associates on their individual journeys with DE&I, we also took the first step on our collective journey as an organization.

Melissa Smith, CHRO