Diversity and inclusion are not topics we bring up only for special occasions, since a consistent effort is made to develop and maintain programs for more balanced representation in different job roles. We are committed to increasing the proportion of women, especially in technical roles, to 25% by 2025. (Read more about it here.)
In this special interview series, you have an opportunity to learn more about how our employees in Global Delivery & Operations (GDO) foster diversity and inclusion. Our business unit is the worldwide operational branch of Orange Business with 9,000+ skilled employees in 56 countries who source, build and operate global capabilities in an innovative, efficient and responsible way, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Carlos Terra, Head of Expertise and Solutions Center, North and Latin America
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Question: What does diversity mean to you? What is your vision of diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
[Carlos Terra]: I see diversity as one of the most important assets that companies can have today. A truly diverse environment allows us to combine and benefit from different cultures, types of thinking and different viewpoints, focusing not on what we disagree with but on what we have more power and can do together to support company goals.
Question: How does diversity and inclusion impact your daily life at Orange Business?
[Carlos Terra]: I feel privileged to live diversity daily at Orange Business. The projects and teams I am responsible for and part of are composed of colleagues from all continents. When my phone rings, it can be anyone from anywhere in the world. It is always an opportunity to learn something new. I am also glad to have a lot of competent women as part of my direct teams and my management lines, which I see as very inspiring for me as an individual and, of course, to other women.
Question: How far along the diversity and inclusion journey do you feel Orange Business is? Can you tell us some behaviors, tools or methods that have allowed you to demonstrate diversity, equity and inclusion during your career?
[Carlos Terra]: As a leader, I always looked to encourage and promote a gender balance in my teams – even in the more technical teams. At Orange Business, I also had the opportunity to be part of specific diversity groups, such as WE NAM, in North America, which promote activities to bring reflection and awareness about diversity to the teams.
Question: Any initiatives you are benefiting from and the company as a whole?
[Carlos Terra]: WE NAM is a solid example of a diverse group to promote awareness about diversity topics.
Question: What advice would you provide to managers looking to improve life-long learning, retain talent in technology roles and be more inclusive?
[Carlos Terra]: To be open-minded in the sense of seeing the world with the eyes of a child. I learned a lot from my daughter daily about not setting barriers because of anyone's accent, race, gender or another categorization. Kids play because they are good at playing and can have fun together. We should bring this same approach to our work environment. To value them as human beings and because they can bring value to the company.
Question: How about to your peers?
[Carlos Terra]: Same as above. To keep discussing how different we are, instead of what we have in common, only puts us apart and distracts us from what is relevant and essential.
Priscila Martins, HR Consultant, Human Resources, Americas
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Question: What does diversity mean to you? What is your vision of diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
[Priscila Martins]: Diversity and inclusion to me mean the respect that every person has the right to and deserves as a human, being accepted and recognized by their skills and abilities, and not as per their differences. As an organization, we must not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion/belief, national origin, marital status, disability, or people from underprivileged areas, etc. Having said that, we must promote an equal and respectful workplace to avoid any type of bias.
Question: How far along the diversity and inclusion journey do you feel Orange Business is?
[Priscila Martins]: Based on the results, I would say that we are very advanced compared to previous years. If we look at all the recognition, we are certified for the Seal of The Gender Equality European & International Standard on level 4 (the top is level 5) and for the Seal of Inclusive Company by BIOMOB Institution. Even more importantly, through our Employee Barometer Survey, our rating was "Excellent" on the statements: "Orange implements actions for combating all forms of discrimination in the company," and "I think that the actions implemented to promote diversity and equal opportunities at Orange are effective." So, in my opinion and based on these results, we are evolving, but we still have a long journey to walk through.
Question: Please tell us about some of the behaviors, tools or methods that have allowed you to demonstrate diversity equity, and inclusion during your career.
[Priscila Martins]: I have been working with Diversity and Inclusion since 2018, which has helped me understand the theme and implement good practices. After completing my post-graduation and reading various benchmarks and articles, I strongly believe that awareness is the most effective approach. By comprehending the challenges and opportunities associated with the D&I subject, we can gain a better understanding and work towards enhancing it. Of course, working with the D&I Audits and Certifications also helped me to learn more and develop better practices each year.
Question: Can you tell us about any programs or initiatives you are currently taking advantage of and those benefiting the entire company?
[Priscila Martins]: From my perspective, the various initiatives we have implemented in Brazil, such as the Women's Coaching & Mentoring Program, the Grow UP program for employees with disabilities, and our efforts to attract a more diverse workforce, have contributed significantly to our reputation as an excellent company to work for. As a result, our employees are highly motivated, satisfied and engaged, which benefits us all.
Question: What advice would you provide to managers looking to improve life-long learning, retain talent in technology roles and be more inclusive?
[Priscila Martins]:
- Learn about unconscious bias
- Have an open mind to the changes, to the new, and for the diverse people we have in the market, and more than that
- Treat people how they would like to be treated, forgetting all the stereotypes
Question: What advice would you give your peers?
[Priscila Martins]: Keep your values but respect the differences and learn about Diversity Universe; it helps us grow professionally and personally.