In recognizing the need to foster a more inclusion environment at Varel starting at the beginning meant collecting information from the source: our team members. While metrics of the employee population are accessible to leadership it is missing the key component of the team members’ voices.

Varel’s Listening Tour launched in May 2022 by inviting all team members to have a conversation with Jim Nixon, Executive Board Member, along with members of Varel’s Executive Leadership team. The discussions started off Ilda Andaluz, EVP of Global Human Resources, reviewing the intent of the Listening Tour. The intent was to learn through hearing diverse experiences, views and responses to the posed inquiries. Following, the meanings of diversity, equity and inclusion were reviewed and discussed with the groups. Five questions were addressed with the group:

• What does diversity mean to you?
• Do you think we are a diverse organization?
• In what ways are we inclusive?
• In what ways are we not inclusive?
• What do we need to do to become inclusive?

Participants of the Listening Tour provided insightful responses on Varel’s current culture for diversity and inclusion along with suggestions and opportunities for growth. Upon completion, responses were categorized into three main themes. The primary theme is to have a better understanding of what diversity is and what it means to be inclusive (categorized as education and training). The second theme is to give everyone a clear sense of direction that promotes one’s performance and engagement (categorized as transparency). Lastly, to ensure Varel’s corporate imperatives are shared with all team members on a consistent and regular basis (categorized as communication). The Varel team is committed to seeking more opportunities to learn from one another.

Selena Young