Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek wants people to know the importance the company places on diversity and inclusion. It recently released its second
annual report detailing measures it has taken in that regard.
One of the measures
Kellogg Co. has taken is what it calls employee resource groups. It has six of them and they are used to provide the company with information it needs for doing business.
For example, the Latino and African-American employee resource group assisted in market research by giving its feedback on television advertising geared toward consumers from these ethnic groups. After the research was finished, the company introduced new TV spots that incorporated the feedback of its employee resource group.
The company also is building its supplier diversity program. Kellogg has experienced tremendous growth in its supplier diversity program in the last decade. And in 2010, the company spent $425 million on goods and services from minority- and women-owned businesses, an approximately eight-fold increase since 1999.
As a sign of the progress it has been making, Kellogg has recently received several national recognitions, including being named one of the "25 Noteworthy Companies for Diversity" by
DiversityInc.
A diverse workforce helps Kellogg better anticipate the needs of its increasingly diverse consumer base, says John Bryant, Kellogg's president and chief executive officer. A workforce with diversity also is more adaptable to change, more innovative and more open to new ideas.
Byrant says: "We also know that diversity and inclusion aren't just abstract, 'feel-good' concepts. They are a business imperative. Diversity is key to succeeding in an increasingly competitive global marketplace."
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Kellogg Corporate Report on Diversity and Inclusion
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