Belonging
A core element of our EVP is creating an environment where employees feel they belong, and this has been a priority for us for a number of years. We value our differences and believe that if our people feel included and accepted at work, we are more likely to retain critical talent, everyone can perform at their best, and we will be more innovative and successful together. This business imperative is the reason we focus on inclusion and diversity (I&D), going beyond simply looking at diversity as we want all our employees to feel fully included and engaged at KBR.
With 85% of employees saying they can be themselves at KBR — an increase of 5% since our first survey two years ago — we believe we are on the right path to creating a fully inclusive culture. The demographic breakdown here shows how that varies between different groups.
Diverse perspectives are of course good for business. They help us innovate and enable constructive challenge to the status quo. And unsurprisingly, the comments in the survey showed a wide range of perspectives from our diverse population. For example, while most employees are highly supportive of our approach to I&D, we recognize that our focus on historically disadvantaged groups has recently led some to question whether other populations are now losing out. This is most certainly not our intention, and we remain committed to hiring, developing and promoting talent based on performance and potential.
We value all our people, and in 2023 our I&D Council is researching how other organizations balance the needs of underrepresented groups with the more traditional workforce. Our intent is to have an environment where everyone is included and has equal opportunity, and we will take meaningful steps to address these concerns when the council has concluded its research.
Our Belong Index in the survey scored 87%, based on the responses to the statements below.
This is a positive upward trend, and while our workforce is still not wholly reflective of the societies in which we operate, it is encouraging to see so many positive comments about our progress on this journey.
“KBR values, principles are followed. Work culture is amazing.”
“This is the first job I've had where inclusion and honesty are admirable, and mistakes are opportunities for everyone's improvement.”
“Inclusion and diversity makes it a very unique and great place to work, as it gives equal opportunity to every individual to be a part of the organization, given you fulfill the required working criteria.”
The work of our employee resource groups (ERGs) in helping create this inclusive culture was also recognized by many of you, as one employee said, “We have a well-developed and diverse slate of ERGs that I believe play a vital role in embracing everyone in KBR.” The voluntary activity these ERGs undertake, and the support and recognition from their managers, are both important and appreciated. Their growth continues with the recent launch of ADAPT, a new ERG with a mission to educate, empower and enhance the KBR experience for individuals with disabilities. We look forward to supporting their important work as we continue our I&D program in 2023 and beyond.
