Diversity and Inclusion Assessment
Challenge
Cleco recognized that we needed to advance, and in some areas, accelerate our efforts to cultivate a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace.
Actions
Cleco’s executive management team (EMT) conducted a diversity and inclusion (D&I) assessment in an effort to fully understand the company’s diversity and inclusion performance, commitment and involvement.
The EMT decided on several different workstreams that will work to help the organization understand the benefits of building a diverse, highly skilled and qualified workforce, as well as work to advance the company’sdiversity and inclusion strategy.
The EMT took ownership of the company’s top D&I priorities. Several EMT members signed up as executive sponsors of the various workstreams and selected employees to help identify specific actions to take. The four workstreams are: (1) Hire or appoint a D&I leader, (2) Strengthen D&I communications & messaging, (3) Build D&I awareness and skills of the D&I Council, and (4) Make observable changes in diversity and leadership behaviors.
Outcomes
Cleco has appointed a D&I leader and established three diversity action teams comprised of over 25 employees to help implement actions recommended by the diversity and inclusion assessment report. The D&I Council membership was increased from 11 members to 15 members, and the diversity action team projects are transitioning to the D&I Council to ensure sustainment.
Contact
Tonya Nash
Normanique Preston, Chief HR & Diversity Officer
Quote
As a result of this assessment, we now have a better understanding of how employees feel about Cleco’s culture and work environment. We know what our employees think we do well and where we need to improve to advance our diversity and inclusion efforts.