Valuing Diversity and Inclusion
We recognize the value that a diverse, inclusive workforce can bring to every aspect of our business and we strive to reflect the diversity of the communities where we operate. Our commitment to diversity is integrated into our policies and practices throughout our operations.
Each Spectra Energy business unit develops diversity strategies appropriate to its employment needs and local market. Our underlying approach encompasses leadership accountability, outreach to diverse groups, diversity issues education for our employees and our community partners, and support and development of employees with varied backgrounds and needs.
Our diversity outreach involves recruiting, supplier development and community partnerships.
- In our U.S. operations, our relationships with diverse universities create a strong entry pipeline for Hispanic, Asian and African-American employment candidates. In Canada, we have developed close relationships with employment programs targeting skilled immigrants.
- We are a Houston charter member of the Community of Respect™ Initiative through the U.S. Anti-Defamation League. Working with other initiative members enables us to both learn and share ways to further embrace diversity. For example, this involvement led to our annual participation since 2007 in a Houston-area diversity summit hosted by the Association of Chinese-American Professionals.
- We participate in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, a road map to equal treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) workers and consumers in the United States.
To educate our employees, we have developed and delivered new diversity workshops, including an innovative program on recognizing and addressing micro-inequities—the subtle, sometimes subconscious, messages that devalue, discourage and ultimately impair performance. Leadership involvement is key to driving employee participation. In 2009 every member of our Union Gas leadership team participated in a workshop on “The Essence of Diversity Leadership.”
Our employee resource networks -- including a multi-cultural network, a LGBT network and professional women’s network -- help create a supportive environment for a diverse population. These networks respond to local diversity issues. In Western Canada Transmission and Processing, for example, our Aboriginal Employee Resource Network assists with attracting and retaining Aboriginal employees and helps build awareness of Aboriginal diversity within the company and the community.
We extend diversity education to our communities in many ways. In Ontario, Union Gas sponsored “Immigrant-friendly Communities: Making Immigration Work for Employers in Small Town Canada.” This was the Conference Board of Canada’s first workshop held outside the country’s large business centers.
