office of diversity and inclusion. The company defines diversity as the collective strength of experiences, skills, and cultures that each agent and employee brings to the company. “It’s about creating a dynamic work environment that engages our employees, who can in turn develop solutions that meet our customers’ needs,†says Laura Haas, assistant vice president of diversity, inclusion, and human resources.
State Farm gauges its success by conducting a companywide survey that includes a diversity and inclusion index, a measurement linked to employee perception. Barb McShane, manager of the office of diversity and inclusion, has noticed an upward trend in the index. Says Haas, “For us to compete, we have to think differently, behave differently, and have a diversity of thought.”
Originally published in the December 2008 issue.