DEI 2022 Overview of Success
People are at the heart of HLB. We celebrate those from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, locations, and services. Helping the network embed inclusive working environments has been a primary focus for HLB over 2022. Our global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council set clear and ambitious goals for gender diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Looking back over 2022, we strived to include DEI in all our activities, services, processes, and systems. Below we outline some of the ways the Council brought DEI to life within their firms over 2022.
Story telling
HLB Global DEI Leader
There was a pivotal moment in my career – early on – where I have told I was too much and to tone it down – not because of my work product, but because of who I am – a gay man. As I type the words to share this story – I am brought right back to that spot, a young 22-year professional, stripped of confidence, and hope, and full of fear that my career would be limited because of who I was/am.
Toolkit
Information is key which is why the HLB DEI Council developed a toolkit made up of material to educate and spark debate for more open dialogue on DEI progress and challenges within the network. This toolkit is made up of:
- An assessment: A starting point for a HLB firm to see where it is in terms of DEI and where to go next.
- Articles: A collection of good reads on what is meant by DEI. As knowledge sharing is very important, content is constantly added so that the Council is continually learning.
- Proposals: This is a paragraph to be included in proposals for clients to highlight the importance HLB place on DEI/CSR. This text is crisp and concise and ready to be used by HLB firms.
Marina Kooijmans, HLB Chief People Officer:
"Through a storytelling campaign and a toolkit of important resources, we fostered more open dialogue on DEI progress and challenges within the network. We also encouraged bringing your authentic self to work and emphasised the importance of allyship. We strive to include DEI in all our activities, services, processes, and systems. We hold ourselves accountable."
DEI recognition
HLB was delighted when UK member firm Menzies won a Turnaround Recovery and Insolvency Award- Firm of the Year DEI. The judges said that they were particularly impressed in the way Menzies ten-year DEI plan integrated the team with regular feedback opportunities and interest groups. The DEI plan used in Menzies reflects and reinforces HLB inclusive culture.
John Cullen, Partner, HLB UK
“I am delighted that we were recently awarded the TRI Company Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the 2022 Turnaround, Restructuring and Insolvency Awards."
The Award recognises those within the turnaround and insolvency profession who champion diversity and inclusion within their firms through CSR activities, social initiatives, providing equal career opportunities and embedding DEI into their company ethos. The judge’s comments were as follows:
“Overall, a good nomination that covers a lot of the entry criteria, several schemes put forward by Menzies were highlighted as impressive by the judges. This included the launch of its ten-year diversity, equity and inclusion strategy – with its integration of employees within this strategy particularly standing out, with it setting up regular employee feedback opportunities and interest groups.”
Increasing awareness
DEI is a journey and varies from geographical region to region. Sparking interest through thought-provoking information is the first step to enhanced awareness around DEI. HLB was pleased to see an increase of 15% in those across the network who took part in DEI training or activities.
This was the case for HLB Germany who used the power of information to experience record numbers of attendance at a virtual DEI event and high level of responses to a survey on DEI and fairness.
HLB USA have continued to drive DEI objectives around awareness and inclusion. They supported their employee resource groups to create awareness by organising several external speakers who discussed topics from psychological safety to emotional labour.
HLB Mann Judd wanted to make awareness fun, so they started a DEI group open to all staff. Together they recognised different events to host and promote to firm members on a quarterly basis.
Fostering inclusion
HLB believes its people, regardless of ethnicity or background, should be able to fulfil their potential at work. HLB supports equal opportunities in the workplace and knows it is vital to attract and retain talent. Over 2022, HLB saw an increase of 14% increase in staff from underrepresented groups and a 36% increase in hires from underrepresented groups.
HLB USA firms have done some great work in this area. Some HLB USA firms have increased hires within ethnic minorities by 8%. Others have made great strides over 2022 to ensure they have a diverse population for their recruitment pipeline. Some have partnered with several external organisations to share best practices on DEI programs in the workplace.
Many firms in the region had a strong focus on hiring mission fit colleagues with diversity. They believed that true diversity is a result, not just a goal because achievements of their colleagues are solely based upon their performance and character. As a result, they enjoy colleagues from all backgrounds including race, nationality, gender, age, education, and more in leadership positions.
Taking proactive steps, some firms visited universities and high schools to advocate for the accountancy profession to encourage university enrolment. They also worked with marginalised groups offering services like training, therapy, and mental health tools. They supported their employees by offering part-time work/ease of transition for those coming back from parental leave and improved policies around childcare and carer support. They are also working to increased maternity/paternity leave to allow more family time.
Mouzhan Mangum, Chief Operating Officer HLB USA
"There has been a lot of education and focus regarding DEI over the past couple of decades. We know that the wider our foundation–the wider our base of experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives–the better we can serve with creative thinking and innovation, and the stronger we are as a whole. Companies that embrace this philosophy and understand that we are all connected, are stronger for it."
What’s next? The HLB DEI Council will lead with a people centric approach, continuing to promote more inclusive working environments and practices over 2023. It will tell a true and consistent story about DEI and develop a new strategy to create sustainable impact for our people and global community.
