HIW Corporate Resiliency Report 2021 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 32
DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE CULTURE
While owning and operating commercial real estate
is our primary business, we take great pride in being
good stewards of the communities where we live,
work and serve. We are guided by a strong value
system steeped in the spirit of service and strive to
advance diversity and inclusion initiatives well beyond
the walls of our buildings to strengthen and enrich
our workforce, industry and our communities. For
these reasons, we launched the Heart of Highwoods
Program in 2020.
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. We
strive to foster a diverse culture and inclusiveness,
creating workplaces where all can succeed and
thrive regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability
or protected veteran status. This commitment extends
beyond our walls where we support initiatives that
promote vibrant communities where all are welcome.
As part of our Heart of Highwoods program, we
formed a Diversity and Inclusion Group that is
comprised of a council of co-workers tasked with
advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives in our
workforce, industry and our communities. Through
monthly group meetings and quarterly advisory
sessions with our executive team, the DIG is tasked
with researching, recommending and implementing
D&I initiatives across our organization.
To promote D&I within the commercial real estate
industry, Highwoods partners with local vendors to
ensure we are providing opportunities to small and
minority-owned 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. Through
our community engagement initiatives, we offer
our time, resources and talent to organizations that
provide critical support to underserved communities.
D&I GOALS
1. Establish and measure D&I goals and
maintain accountability
2. Foster an inclusive culture
3. Manage talent and foster career growth for
all coworkers
4. Ensure diversity and inclusion is a core
principle of Highwoods
5. Promote supplier diversity throughout the
commercial real estate industry
6. Support diversity and inclusion in all of
Highwoods communities
CRISTO REY RESEARCH TRIANGLE HIGH SCHOOL
Highwoods partners with the Cristo Rey Research
Triangle High School in Durham, NC, for a work-study
program with our Customer Service team.
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