We are pleased to report significant progress on our diversity and inclusion goals. In 2022, we completed our first annual global employee engagement survey, which yielded a 77% participation rate, and established an inclusion index baseline score of 80% based on our employees’ responses to five questions related to diversity and inclusion. Dover employees scored our culture in connection with various questions, such as: “I can be myself at work” and “I am comfortable voicing my ideas and opinions, even if they are different from others.” On average, 80% of our survey respondents agreed with those statements, higher than the manufacturing industry average. Overall, the results suggest that our employees feel valued as individuals, are comfortable voicing their views, and believe they can be successful at Dover. Our baseline score is encouraging and has informed the development of action plans for further progress on diversity and inclusion. See our Talent Attraction and Development webpage for more details on our engagement survey.
In addition to our efforts to establish a baseline inclusion index, we have broadly deployed training on inclusive leadership. The training focuses on how we define diversity and inclusion at Dover, the impact our people leaders can make in the effort, and ways to identify and overcome unconscious bias. To reinforce the training, leaders receive ongoing communications and suggestions to advance and sustain inclusive behaviors. In 2023, we meaningfully exceeded our goal to train 80% of our leaders globally on inclusive leadership and unconscious bias. We are encouraged by the broadly positive reception the training received, and we believe this training will continue to improve the inclusion index at Dover in the coming years. Dover is in the process of setting the next generation of diversity and inclusion goals, which will build on our previous goals to advance our commitment to an inclusive culture.
Employee Resource Groups
We continue to support the employee resource groups (ERG) hosted by many of our operating companies. These groups foster collaboration and serve as an open forum for networking, professional development, and mentoring. In so doing, they promote a work environment that welcomes diversity, promotes inclusion and engagement, and furthers our talent development strategy.
Recently, Environmental Solutions Group started a Latino Network. The Latino Network encourages professional development, camaraderie, networking, knowledge-sharing, and celebration of Latinx heritage. The Network also supports in recruiting and referring candidates, promoting growth and retention of Latinx employees at Environmental Solutions Group facilities. The inception of the Latino Network and other targeted efforts have contributed to significant growth in Latinx representation at the company.
Several of our operating companies also sponsor ERGs that advocate for women and veteran employees in the workplace. Environmental Services Group sponsors “Women of Environmental Solutions Group” and Dover Fueling Solutions hosts a “Women’s Network.” Likewise, our Vehicles Services Group and Sweden-based SWEP hold ongoing Women Speaker series. Microwave Products Group, Environmental Solutions Group, and Dover Food Retail each support Veteran ERGs that provide opportunities for veterans to share their experiences, encourage the development of leadership skills, and help attract and retain veterans in the workforce.