Philip Morris International has announced the launch of a yearlong research entitled Inclusive Future; in partnership with the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The aim is to study how inclusion currently is measured, and how this should evolve to drive impact. The Inclusive Future work will unfold in phases over the next 12 months; starting with a quantitative and qualitative exploration of the state of inclusion today. This will culminate in the publication of the study results in March 2022.
“Our key objective is to reshape the conversation of inclusion,” stated Josefine van Zanten, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Officer of IMD. “Is today’s measure of inclusion still appropriate in light of the profound socioeconomic evolution of the past year? And how will this evolution impact inclusive leadership and the meaning of inclusion going forward? We are looking to tackle this important and yet complicated part of the equity, inclusion, and diversity equation.”
SMOKE-FREE FAIR & EQUITABLE WORLD
Following a year when inclusion and diversity efforts moved centre stage amid the global pandemic, the absence of a single authoritative approach to effectively measure inclusion in business has become even more apparent. To address this need, PMI’s Inclusive Future initiative will explore best practices and established thought leadership to advance the discourse surrounding inclusivity and devise effective and timely ways to promote inclusive cultures. PMI said it recognises workplace inclusion and diversity as vital to creativity and innovation; both essential drivers of the company’s business transformation as it works to achieve its vision of a smoke-free future and contribute to a fairer, more equitable world.
“Measuring diversity is the easy part. Measuring and understanding inclusivity is far more complex, as we discovered through trialing inclusivity measurement efforts at PMI,” commented Silke Muenster, PMI’s first Chief Diversity Officer. “While established frameworks, language, and tools exist for measuring inclusivity today, it is clear that they are far from adequate. In the context of a world that shifted radically in 2020, this new initiative will help us to develop compelling ways to further inclusion within the PMI global organisation; and, we hope, beyond our walls as well.”
INCLUSION REFLECTING WORLD’S DIVERSITY
Inclusion and diversity is not just the right thing for companies to do, “but the bedrock of progress and lasting change”, explained Muenster. “To achieve our vision of a smoke-free future – delivering better alternatives to adult smokers who will otherwise continue to smoke – we must build an inclusive culture reflective of the world’s diversity.”
PMI is going through a major transformation to replace cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives as quickly as possible. “To get there, we need to unlock the full power of creativity within our global community of employees; so we can deliver innovative solutions and innovative products that are central to this transformation,” she added. “Having a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of our consumers, coupled with an inclusive culture, will help us get to our vision of a smoke-free future faster.”
GENDER EQUALITY & INCLUSION GOALS
The organisation has set a company-wide goal to achieve at least 40% women in management by 2022, and “it’s making strong progress”, confirmed Muenster. “Today, women hold just over 37% of management roles at PMI. Probably everyone in the company is supportive of that goal, but getting there may mean pushing through discomfort for some.”
PMI must make “intentional efforts to ensure different voices are heard”, she added. “And that can only happen when you have an inclusive culture that supports constructive dialogue. In my career, I am known for speaking truth to power; and that comes with benefits and risks. We need to emphasise the benefits.”
Beyond the academic research, the Inclusive Future initiative will incorporate engagement activities; exploring and advancing the latest content and thinking on inclusion. These activities will range from hosting digital panels, roundtables, and interviews to celebrating those who are progressing the work today. As part of the initiative launch, Muenster participated in a virtual event on International Women’s Day; hosted by flagship SHE media site, BlogHer, alongside other female change makers dedicated to advancing economic empowerment for women everywhere. She also spoke on a high-level panel at The Gender Summit this week hosted by Equality Leaders.
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