Here at Levi Strauss & Co., we’re committed to creating a workplace where people from all backgrounds feel confident that their voices will be heard and their contributions welcomed. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s a business imperative. We know that companies are stronger and more successful when they are diverse and inclusive.
We’ve made strides toward achieving that goal, but we also know that we’re not there yet.
The first step in any journey is to be transparent about where you stand, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and set out a clear plan to make change. That’s what LS&Co. did with the initial release of our representation data, a renewed commitment to making tangible progress. But it’s the next steps — and there will be many — that are even more important.
We are putting programs into place to recruit, hire and promote more people of color at all levels of the company, and we’ll continue to share our progress toward achieving a workforce that reflects the communities where we work and serve. We’ve doubled down on creating safe spaces to drive honest, provocative conversations through our Employee Resource Groups, and are investing in resources to engage employees around allyship and racial justice. We will track and measure progress, celebrate wins and hold ourselves accountable if we fall short.
This is an ongoing process, and one that will take tenacity, care and commitment. But, guided by a long company legacy of originality, empathy, integrity and courage, it’s a challenge I’m confident we’re ready to meet.
-Elizabeth A. Morrison, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
