Diversity and Inclusion with Pierre Harscouet, Global Inclusion Specialist at Ocado

National Inclusion Week takes place from the 23rd to the 29th September and highlights why we should always be working to make our places of work more inclusive.

We spoke with Pierre Harscouet (He/Him) , Global Inclusion Specialist at Ocado to find out what is being done to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued and empowered.

What are you responsible for at Ocado?

As a Global Inclusion Specialist at Ocado, my role is to ensure that every voice is heard and to promote diversity and inclusion within the organisation. I work on developing strategies, creating training programs, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering a supportive work environment for all employees and more specifically, employees from diverse backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to make sure that everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. But of course, I’m not doing this on my own, I work with many areas of the business to achieve this.?

How is Ocado creating a diverse and inclusive working environment?

There isn’t one single thing that will solve the challenges related to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, but we’re very lucky because we’re a company where we have a true culture of caring. Since the day I joined Ocado, I’ve felt that my colleagues care about me and I know a lot of colleagues feel the same. This foundation is essential for creating a diverse and inclusive environment as it means that we’re genuinely curious about others. We know that we can always do better when it comes to inclusion. That's where data and actively listening to our colleagues come into play. With these elements, we gain valuable insights that allow us to tailor initiatives and policies that meet the diverse needs of our colleagues.

We are also very lucky to have wonderful Communities at Ocado that help us achieve this. Our Communities are groups of people who share a common identity or interest and have decided to come together. Some other companies call them Employee Resource Groups. They are at the same time a safe space, a force for positive change, and a place to learn new things. The people behind them are doing incredible work. All these things combined make us a little bit more inclusive each day.

How does a diverse and inclusive workplace help to build trust with employees?

When all employees feel that their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued, it creates a sense of trust and respect. It makes it easier for colleagues to open and share a bit more about themselves. This exposure to different perspectives and experiences leads to increased understanding, empathy, and ultimately, stronger relationships based on trust. People are being seen for who they are. This trust not only reinforces our connections but also makes our work better, as it creates a culture where people freely exchange ideas and concerns, leading to better products and solutions.

For those joining Ocado, what can they expect from the culture and environment in terms of diversity and inclusion?

I think I’ve covered it previously but really for me what has been striking since I joined a year ago is the culture of caring and empathy. That and the fact that we’re working in a very stimulating international environment where new ideas are welcome makes Ocado a genuinely great place to work for me. I would invite candidates from all backgrounds and experiences who want to make a difference to apply and join us.?

We’re moving into a very exciting era for Ocado, so definitely consider joining us.