A diverse approach to diversity

Our purpose to build a better world means building a better world for all. Whether it’s striving for gender balance, exploring a different culture or broadening age representation, there is so much strength to be had by embracing a range of perspectives within our company.

Being the youngest person in the room can be intimidating, but with it comes the privilege of being able to ask questions. According to R&D Engineer Siho Lim, from Changwon, South Korea, this advantage helped him to quickly grow.

“At first, approaching senior colleagues was not so easy and somewhat challenging, but once the conversation started, they not only addressed my queries but also delved into details I hadn't even thought of, explaining thoroughly. I believe that for job seekers, interns, and new employees, the most critical quality is the courage to ask questions.”

When Carina Fracaroli took on a new role as a Logistics Team Leader in the Pederneiras plant in Brazil, she had some initial concerns. “My biggest concern was that I was a young woman taking on a leadership role in a predominantly male environment,” she said. “But in fact, I’ve been really well received as a leader, and I feel respected and understood by my team.

“New experiences are a chance to learn and grow and this is good for us. I am on a journey with Volvo CE, and I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to progress quickly at a young age.”

For a company like Volvo CE that is developing solutions for today and tomorrow that help our world to thrive, it is vital that those solutions are built to fit every part of society. And for that to happen, it needs the broadest range of perspectives to bring those solutions to life. One of the greatest advantages to having diverse representation is of course the mix of perspectives.

French-born Dimitri Milosevic understands this well, thanks to his recent move to Changwon in South Korea. A language and culture barrier could have presented a big challenge, but respect, collaboration and learning helped him integrate quickly.

“There are moments when communication can be challenging, however the company provided opportunities to learn Korean, which has motivated me to immerse myself in the culture. While occasional challenges may arise due to differences, colleagues embrace the importance of diversity and inclusion. Consequently, there is a strong sense of respect and effective collaboration among team members.”

But with a diverse team, there can of course be an initial challenge to ensure every voice is heard. Luna Safa, Assembly Team Leader in Eskilstuna, Sweden, said: “When I became Team Leader, we had a huge shift in personnel, and with it came a certain amount of discomfort. Suddenly we had a team with many more new colleagues than experienced assemblers, who had been around longer.

“It was great to have fresh perspectives and curiosity. However, the newness came with the kind of challenge that change can bring to those already comfortable in their routines. We learnt how to create an environment where everyone was working towards a common goal. Age, ethnicity, background – in the end, none of these matter. Respect is what matters. If people listen and feel heard, it creates trust.”