Guest Commentator: Sharon A. Jean-Baptiste, P.E., Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Growth and Sales, Jacobs @JacobsConnects
What steps can businesses take to speak out against injustice and commit to driving change for communities of color?
In the midst of what many are calling a triple pandemic – the novel coronavirus, economic downturn, and racial injustice and inequity – it’s more important than ever for business leaders to drive truly inclusive solutions. Beyond safeguarding the well-being of our employees, being intentional about preserving jobs, and strategizing to “recover forward,” we are also now challenged to create a safe space for difficult conversations in an unjust time.
Bringing our whole best selves to work is only possible when our company culture encourages judgement-free uncomfortable discourse about the barriers that impede inclusion – and openly acknowledges what is happening and the emotional toll it takes on everyone. Silence is no longer an option.
Jacobs has taken determined steps to speak out against injustice and commit to driving change for the Black community and other communities of color. We have prioritized our Culture of Caring and Inclusion & Diversity commitments to unite our 55,000 professionals in important and meaningful ways.
Leadership sets the tone.
Our CEO Steve Demetriou emailed all employees following the public execution of George Floyd, acknowledging the systemic racism and injustice that the Black community continues to experience. He also shared his message on LinkedIn, boldly affirming that Black lives matter and the time had come to speak up and speak out. His focus on equality for our Black colleagues is driven by the belief that progress for one group of employees is progress for all employees.
Hold courageous conversations.
Following George Floyd’s murder, Jacobs’ Black employee network, Harambee, facilitated a series of Courageous Conversations among the global Jacobs community, which precipitated similar calls at the regional and local levels. Our Black colleagues were given the space to share and be seen, and more than 5,000 employees have participated in the raw, honest, and emotional virtual sessions. These conversations continue and the spirit of personal responsibility to learn and keep asking what can be done has been truly inspiring.
Empower leaders to continue the conversation.
To help senior and frontline leaders initiate difficult conversations on race and discrimination with empathy, Jacobs developed a coaching tool that provides materials to guide teams in honestly addressing the topics.
Invest in the movement.
Jacobs is proud to be among the companies recognized by the World Economic Forum for our stance on ending systemic racism. In June, Jacobs instituted “8 actions for equality,” which included the launch of Jacobs’ Equality Matching Campaign, matching up to $100,000 of employee donations to eligible causes such as the NAACP and GirlTrek. Another key action is the investment in the small business community including donations to impacted businesses and partnerships.
Understand there is more work to do.
And watch this space: next week, Jacobs is launching its Action Plan for Advancing Justice and Equality – a series of commitments and bold actions to move beyond words and solve this issue in our Black community once and for all.
At Jacobs, we do things right, we aim higher, we challenge the accepted, and we live inclusion. And we are just getting started.
Jacobs is a member of the Chamber’s Roadmap for Growth Action Team (Roadmap), a group 110+ Chamber members and partners united to engage with a broad range of civic and neighborhood organizations to enhance the economy, encourage civic engagement, and support an efficient and impactful government in order to lift and improve Philadelphia’s economic and civic life.
