This Best Practice was first published in the Gender Intelligence Report 2023.
At Swiss Re, we strive to cultivate an inclusive culture and to foster a sense of belonging for all employees. In 2022, we renewed our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) by adopting a holistic inclusion-first approach. Central to this approach is the distinction between diversity and inclusion. Having a diverse team doesn’t mean you have an inclusive team. And valuing diversity doesn’t mean you’re getting value from diversity.
Our aim is to unlock the full potential of our diverse talent and workforce. We believe that a more inclusive culture will advance and empower everyone at Swiss Re – including women, who despite recent progress are still underrepresented in our industry on executive and senior management levels. Inclusion thus supports the actions we’re taking to improve our gender promotion ratios and expand our female talent pipeline, flexible working practices and more.
One way in which we’re fostering an inclusive culture is through our company-wide Inclusion Experience Journey. This program is designed to create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. Our goal is to boost the understanding of diverse experiences throughout Swiss Re and to equip employees with the tools they need to be inclusive and to incorporate inclusion into daily practice.
Our leaders play a crucial role in translating our inclusion-first approach into action as they have the power to lead cultural change. This needs everyone in the company – but success depends particularly on role-modeling and ownership from leaders early in the process. So, together with an external team of experts, we designed the Inclusion Experience Journey specifically for senior leaders and line managers as a personalized, two-year learning experience that establishes a common foundation across Swiss Re. The Inclusion Experience Journey comprises customized learning modules, best practice sharing sessions, team dialogues, events and challenges. Leaders are encouraged to tailor their journey and progress at their own pace. Through this experience, they deepen their understanding of inclusion and of the challenges faced by diverse communities and receive tools and frameworks to support their leadership.
The program has been designed in seven steps ensuring the active involvement of leaders and creating a ripple effect throughout the organization. It enables and empowers leaders to proactively establish a more inclusive culture in their teams and beyond – and thereby enhance the experience of all employees at Swiss Re.
Global DEI Consultant, Vice President
Group Human Resources at Swiss Re
Group Human Resources at Swiss Re
Engaging key stakeholders and securing their commitment have been essential to the Inclusion Experience Journey’s success. We implemented a tactical rollout plan consisting of the following steps:
The Inclusion Experience Journey is catalyzing Swiss Re’s long-term cultural transformation and has already yielded positive outcomes. Testimonials from participants highlight its transformative impact on both personal and organizational development. Participants have shared that they’re now prioritizing inclusion in the way they lead and that they are actively challenging their own biases. They’re also encouraging their peers to join the journey, commit to role-modelling inclusive behaviors and confront non-inclusive behaviors.
Despite high program participation and consistently positive feedback, we are continuously optimizing and adapting the journey to meet evolving needs. By prioritizing inclusion alongside diversity, addressing biases and fostering engagement, we’re creating an environment at Swiss Re where exclusion has no place.
The success of cultivating lasting change at Swiss Re lies in approaching the program as a transformative journey: achieving sustainable inclusivity requires ongoing dedication. Through continuous engagement, customized experiences, and knowledge as well as positive impact sharing, our leaders are equipped to foster an environment where everyone feels valued. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Swiss Re.
Paula Langer and Lorenzo Weber are happy to share more insights into the Swiss Re Inclusion Experience Journey. You can connect with them at Paula_Langer@swissre.com and Lorenzo_Weber@swissre.com.
This Best Practice was first published in the Gender Intelligence Report 2023.
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