Strategies to Progress Our Inclusion and Diversity Journey
Business resource groups (BRGs) were introduced at Newmont in 2014. A Business Resource Group (also known as an Affinity Group or Employee Resource Group) is a company-sanctioned organization of employees with a common background, set of interests and/or goals. Each BRG welcomes all employees. Since 2014, 17 BRGs have been established in our operating regions and at the corporate office. Newmont recognizes BRGs as critical partners for ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and diversity of thought is celebrated and leveraged with participation open to all employees.
There are at least two BRGs in each of our operating regions, with a global presence of our Women and Allies (W&A) BRG. The Women and Allies groups are focused on enhancing the representation and contributions of women through professional development and building a more inclusive workplace culture. The W&A BRGs support internal training, employee engagement and community programs that champion women.
Employees shared their experience of the W&A BRGs in a year-end survey and submitted feedback that will be used to continuously improve BRG programming. One member said, “The W&A BRG has helped me take charge of my career and […] helped me develop leadership skills and connect with people throughout the organization”.
At Newmont’s corporate headquarters, Nevada and Cripple Creek and Victor operations the Newmont VETS have a mission to connect, develop and empower current military members, veterans and families of veterans at Newmont. In addition, the VETS BRGs partners with our Talent Acquisition teams to attract military talent entering the civilian workforce.
The NewYou BRG serves as a catalyst for positive change toward improved health and wellness in the workforce while adding business value through greater employee morale, productivity and relationships. In 2016, the group initiated a global employee “Fitness Challenge for Charity” to promote friendly competition among co-workers. A fun way to engage in physical activities while raising money for local charities, the event had nearly 400 employee participants.
The Diversitas BRG, at our Denver offices, has a mission to support diverse views, cross-cultural collaboration, engagement, development and multicultural awareness. As part of its initiatives, the Diversitas buddy program helps connect recent employees from various states within the US, countries and cultures with BRG members to support their transition into Colorado. Beatrice Opoku-Asare, Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity, reflected on her own experience with the program: “I personally benefited from this program especially with support in winter transitioning. Sometimes it’s the most simple things that an employee like myself who has just moved to Colorado from our Ghana operations would not think about – like clearing out your sprinkler line before the onset of winter.”
Though each BRG is unique in its approach, all are focused on creating an inclusive environment where employees have the opportunity to contribute, develop and work together to deliver our strategy.
