Diversity

We employ some 60,000 people worldwide, with a wide variety of backgrounds, experience and skills. Embracing diversity is one of our core values and a natural source of energy and creativity.

Our definition of diversity includes all our different personal skills and qualities as well as race and gender, where advancement depends solely on ability, performance and good teamwork.

We encourage our people to share their knowledge and ideas across boundaries - to build high performance teams that recognise and value our differences - teams that celebrate diversity but which also embrace common goals.

Across the business diversity is high on the agenda and continuous improvement is at the heart of our approach.  We have a clear focus on the future - an aspiration to become a true culture of diversity.

But actions do speak louder than words. That's why we are committed to a range of programmes that are helping to make a difference - small projects that can have a big impact and global initiatives that can create a lasting impression.

For example, within our global R&D function we have a global diversity programme which is about using the ways we are different to increase innovation and creativity. Facilitated through a range of awareness and communication initiatives, with senior management commitment, the goal is to create a more inclusive culture where everyone recognises, understands, values and gains benefit from diversity.