HIW CRR 2022 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 33
D I V E R S I T Y A N D I N C L U S I O N C U LT U R E
Our people are our most important asset. Every
coworker plays a fundamental role in achieving
our organizational goals and the value we create
for our customers, shareholders and communities.
Diverse perspectives and experiences provide a rich
foundation upon which our business can succeed
and be responsive to the diverse communities within
which we live, work and serve. We strive to foster a
diverse culture of inclusiveness, creating workplaces
where all can succeed and thrive regardless of race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, disability or veteran status. This
commitment extends beyond our walls to initiatives
that promote vibrant communities where
all are welcome.
To cultivate an inclusive environment, we have
developed a framework of programs and initiatives
that support our coworkers, customers and partners
throughout their journey of personal and career
growth. We created the Heart of Highwoods program to
advance diversity and inclusion and community service
in our workforce, industry and communities. As part
of this program, we created a Diversity and Inclusion
Group (DIG) that is comprised of a council of coworkers
tasked with advancing diversity and inclusion
initiatives in our workforce, our industry and our
communities. Through periodic group meetings and
quarterly advisory sessions with our executive team,
the DIG is tasked with researching, recommending and
supporting D&I initiatives across our organization.
To advance D&I within the commercial real estate
industry, we partner with local vendors to ensure we
are providing opportunities for diverse businesses
within our communities. We engage with local schools,
colleges and universities to introduce our industry to
a diverse group of students, so the next generation is
exposed to fulfilling careers in commercial real estate.
This work-study program includes partnerships with
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School, Cristo Rey
Richmond High School, the REDI Program at UNC
Chapel Hill and the Diversity Internship Program of the
Atlanta Chapter of NAIOP.
In 2022, our CEO signed the CEO Action for Diversity
& Inclusion™ pledge, which is the largest CEO-driven
initiative to advance diversity and inclusion in the
workplace. This initiative provides a variety of tools
and resources that we can use to expand our diversity
and inclusion initiative and improve engagement and
participation across our organization.
Our Highwoods Helps community service program
and paid volunteer off program for our coworkers
encourages engagement in all aspects of our
communities. Through our community engagement
initiatives, we offer our time, resources and talent
to organizations that provide critical support to
underserved communities.
D&I GOALS
• Establish and measure D&I goals and
maintain accountability
• Foster an inclusive culture
• Manage talent and foster career growth for
all coworkers
• Ensure diversity and inclusion is a core
principle of Highwoods
• Promote supplier diversity throughout the
commercial real estate industry
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