The role of inclusion in productivity and innovation at Upbound Group

A message from Tran Taylor , EVP-CHRO.

At Upbound Group , we recognize the crucial role people and culture play in fostering innovation and driving overall success in an increasingly fast-paced business environment where the dynamics of the workplace are constantly evolving.

The presence of multiple generations in the workplace has changed not only its demographics, but it has also given inclusion and belonging a vital role in innovation, productivity, engagement, and talent retention.

At Upbound, we aligned our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives with our strategic business imperatives to create a culture where differences become innovation and productivity, instead of becoming a disruption.

We know that belonging cannot exist without inclusion. Inclusion cannot exist without equity. We know our workforce is composed of different people, and these differences go beyond race, gender, ethnicity, dis(ability), sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, age, and religion.

For that reason, at Upbound, inclusion is leadership in action. It’s everyone’s responsibility to create a culture of active inclusivity that allows coworkers to feel like they can be their authentic selves without fear of different treatment or punishment.

Like everything, there is no one size fits all. We recognize that individuals are all at different places on their own journeys, so we customize our initiatives.

Our coworker resource groups have been an effective way to create a deeper sense of belonging and community among our coworkers. Their initiatives have helped coworkers connect, learn, and grow together.

Our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives have fostered a collaborative environment by hosting events and providing tools to empower different people to work together efficiently.

We have partnered with community members to create initiatives designed to empower our coworkers and support the communities we serve.

By prioritizing employee experience, our intentional efforts to develop an inclusive company culture will become a differentiator and distinctive factor in engaging and retaining top talent.

We are proud of what we have been able to achieve so far, and we will continue our journey to build a more inclusive and equitable future.?