CHICAGO — Four of the industry’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) thought leaders gathered for an insightful panel discussion on what happens next after a company has its DEI framework firmly in place during the American Society of Baking’s BakingTECH 2023 conference.
The hour-long conversation, moderated by Joanie Spencer, editor-in-chief of Commercial Baking, brought together Joe Kenner, president and CEO of Greyston Bakery; Connie Dever, director of DEI at Flowers Foods; Ted Castle, owner and president of Rhino Foods; and Karen Bornarth, executive director of The Bread Bakers Guild of America.
The panelists covered a wide range of topics, including why an effective DEI strategy makes good business sense operationally and financially.
“Everybody has a need to be loved and to belong,” Dever said. “When you have a workforce that feels that way, you can imagine how much more productive they’re going to be. That’s really where you drive that engagement and get that loyalty and have people who want to come to work.”
Creating a work environment that fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging doesn’t have to carry a hefty price tag.
“People want recognition, and recognition does not always mean a bigger paycheck,” Bornath added. “It can literally mean someone saying, ‘Hey, you did a great job.’”
Dever agreed, noting, “There’s a huge return when you recognize your employees, and it’s a small thing to do.”