Diversity and inclusion training: an ongoing commitment

“The only way to break down barriers is to discuss them,” says Senior Licensing Coordinator Randall Rowley, who attended a training session called Inclusion at Progressive, which was introduced companywide in 2011.

Having all employees attend Inclusion at Progressive by the end of 2012 is just one part of our diversity and inclusion efforts. These efforts began in earnest in 2008 when senior executives participated in a similar class. Since then, the training has evolved.

Early course offerings focused on appropriate behaviors in the workplace. Later, they focused on Progressive’s “Golden Rule” Core Value—accepting and respecting others. Inclusion at Progressive helps raise awareness about what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes.

The goal of these offerings isn’t to change who we are, but rather help us see how biases can affect our rela­tionships with coworkers, customers and others.

We start by recognizing that everyone has biases. So we work to identify and manage them. And we talk about how, if biases go unchecked, they affect us.

Finally, we drive home the importance of diversity and the positive influence it can have on our business and work environment.