The company’s representative from North America explained some of the demographic trends in the United States that are shaping the discussion there around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It’s estimated that by 2060, minority groups will make up 50% of the U.S. population, and immigrants will account for 90% of future population growth.
In 2021, the company set up a DEI Executive Council comprising business leaders from across the U.S. Their role is to sustain management focus on DEI and articulate to employees why, considering the country’s demographics, a culture of inclusion and belonging is so important. To ensure employees’ voices are heard and their opinions reflected in all DEI initiatives and programs, an Employee Committee was subsequently formed with representatives from different functions and locations.
One of the early requests from the Employee Committee was for a system of mentoring. Accordingly, Panasonic in the U.S. is establishing a one-on-one mentoring program that will help employees expand their networks, gain new knowledge, and acquire new skills. If the program is successful, the company will consider implementing it globally.