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What does “diversity” mean to us at IBM?
“Inclusion means understanding, respecting, valuing, and accommodating human and cultural differences so that we create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in creating business success”
IBM’s commitment to diversity has its foundations in the very roots of the corporation over a century ago, when the first female and black employees were welcomed into the company in 1899. Since then we’ve earned a fantastic reputation for providing an inclusive working environment where every employee is valued for their contribution and can bring their whole selves to work. Our outstanding record of recognition stands testament to this; in this year alone we attained the number-one spot in the highly-respected Stonewall’s Equality Index, won the Greatest Contribution to Diversity in Graduate Recruitment at the prestigious Target Awards, and achieved Platinum Standard in Opportunity Now’s annual benchmarking survey. IBM’s position as a top 10 employer in Working Mother’s magazine for the 20th consecutive year suggests we are clearly a place women want to work.
“We believe that the principles of diversity, inclusion and equality must sit at the heart of any truly modern, successful and confident organisation” – Larry Hirst, IBM UK Country General Manager
IBM proactively champions diversity through a series of initiatives, many of which are run by volunteers and wholeheartedly supported by senior management. Central to this are employee diversity network groups, for women, people of ethnic minority, gays and lesbians and employees with disabilities. Our dedication to diversity does not end within the workplace; our duty to promote inclusiveness reaches into the communities in which we work. Many of our employees are involved in IBM sponsored community programmes, including mentoring female students and technology based summer camps for girls. Our employees actively further the cause of women in technology in the wider community, raising the bar for companies nationwide.
“We accept people as they are, because if you’re going to be a leader in this company you’ve got to be yourself, and be able to express yourself freely no matter what” – Sam Palmisano, Chairman and CEO IBM
So what is it like being a woman in IBM?
Women within IBM certainly do thrive; female IBM researchers regularly win top prizes at awards (Blackberry Award, Female Inventor and Innovator of the Year). Over the years, IBM has significantly increased its number of female leaders and Executives. There are now many female role models who are a true inspiration to women and share their experiences through mentoring, networking and shadowing sessions.
There is a lot of flexibility regarding when and where you work. 60% of the employees in the UK have flexibility to work from home. Employees are rewarded on the contribution they provide, not the hours they spend in the office, so a healthy and rewarding work/life balance can be achieved. Flexible working options include job-sharing, term-time working, compressed hours and sabbaticals. This enables male and female employees of all ages and levels of seniority to be considered for changes to their working pattern to suit their life needs, together with the needs of our business.
With our flexible benefits program, employees can also tailor aspects of individual benefits, such as pension, private health cover or vacation days to manage their lifestyle. IBM is understanding of familial commitments. From raising children to caring for elderly relatives, IBM’s flexible work culture allows you to manage the demands of business requirements and personal life. And the IBM emergency dependent care means IBM supports employees even on the days when their personal life isn’t going quite to plan….so that their professional life will.
Interested in joining us?
If you think you’d like to join IBM, then we’d love to hear from you. Click Here to visit the recruitment website to find out more.
United for success….united by diversity…..IBM
