How United Airlines supports the ‘employees of tomorrow’
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United Airlines has been a prominent player in the aviation industry since the 1930s, flying to over 300 destinations worldwide and employing over 100,000 people. But what sets United Airlines apart is its commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace for its employees.
One way the airline achieves this is through its business resource group (BRG) called EQUAL, which focuses on supporting the LGBTQ+ community within the company. Mike Henning, United Airlines’ associate general counsel international and president of the EQUAL BRG, explains that the group aims to develop an inclusive organization that benefits all LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
EQUAL currently has nine chapters and over 5,800 members globally. Henning believes that the group provides valuable philanthropic, educational, professional development, and networking opportunities for employees to grow as individuals both at United Airlines and within their own communities.
For Henning, his role as president of the EQUAL BRG is just as important as his day-to-day duties managing the airline’s legal affairs outside the United States. His dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) stems from his personal experiences growing up in rural Kentucky and coming out in his mid-20s. He felt a strong desire to help others who may be going through similar situations and to ensure that no one feels isolated.
Henning’s commitment to DE&I extends beyond his work with the EQUAL group. He believes in engaging in pro bono and community service efforts, especially for underrepresented communities. This holistic approach aligns with United Airlines’ core values of safety, caring, dependability, and efficiency.
EQUAL and other BRGs at United Airlines play a vital role in creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment. They provide valuable feedback and perspective to ensure that policies and processes are inclusive of LGBTQ+ employees and their allies’ perspectives. Henning emphasizes the importance of allyship and collaboration in advancing these priorities.
One notable initiative by United Airlines is the option for employees to display their preferred pronouns on their name badges. This move promotes a more inclusive environment and greater understanding of gender identity among both employees and customers. Henning explains that understanding someone’s name and identity is crucial for making connections, and this option allows employees to share that information if they choose to do so.
In addition to pronoun inclusion, United Airlines and the EQUAL network provide educational resources, events, and programs to support recruiting and hiring efforts. They actively participate in conferences and engage in pilot recruitment efforts, showcasing their commitment to diversity at all levels of the organization.
Henning also highlights the importance of education within the EQUAL network. Fireside chats and other sessions cover various topics, including mental health in the LGBTQ+ community and intersectionality. By providing these resources, United Airlines aims to create a more informed and empathetic workforce.
Henning acknowledges that creating an inclusive culture is a long-term effort that requires buy-in from senior leadership. It is not a task that can be accomplished overnight or by one person or team alone. United Airlines’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stems from its core values and is ingrained in its company culture.
For other companies looking to develop inclusive policies and practices for LGBTQ+ employees, Henning recommends connecting with companies like United Airlines that have already implemented such policies. He believes that collaboration and shared knowledge are crucial in creating a more inclusive society.
In conclusion, United Airlines’ commitment to supporting its LGBTQ+ employees through initiatives like the EQUAL BRG demonstrates its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture and providing resources for personal and professional growth, United Airlines is setting an example for other companies to follow.
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