Deloitte collaborates with UN to "Do ONE thing for Diversity and Inclusion"

NEW YORK, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an affirmation of its leadership in and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) is proud to support the UN-sponsored World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which raises awareness of the richness of world cultures and the opportunities that cultural diversity can bring to societies and organizations.

This year's event marks the second edition of the UN Alliance of Civilizations and UNESCO's "Do ONE Thing for Diversity and Inclusion" world campaign, which invites people from around the world to support cultural diversity through cultural exchanges, music, food, cinema, languages, and art. DTTL and Deloitte member firms (Deloitte) are collaborating with the UN to promote the campaign by encouraging Deloitte professionals worldwide to connect with colleagues from different backgrounds and to share ideas and different perspectives on their work and lives in general.

"Strength from cultural diversity is one of Deloitte's core values and is an issue I am very passionate about," said Barry Salzberg, DTTL Global CEO. "Not only is cultural diversity a critical component in creating a workplace where leaders can thrive; it is also an essential driver of business success and profitability."

Salzberg continued: "The UN's 'Do ONE Thing' initiative reflects Deloitte as a network: what  member firms bring – every day – to clients in the form of talent, thought, and solutions, as well as to the communities in which they operate; and a unique culture where more than 195,000 professionals across 150 countries help clients solve their most complex business issues." 

"Diversity and inclusion management is a core skill for Deloitte leaders," said Margot Thom, Managing Director, DTTL Global Talent. "As the Deloitte network conducts business around the globe, it is essential that Deloitte professionals have the multicultural competencies to lead teams successfully across borders. This is why DTTL and the member firms have instituted a variety of programs and initiatives to develop the behaviors and skills needed to lead diverse teams and capitalize on the strengths and potential of its professionals."

One such program is a learning initiative aimed at helping member firm lead client service partners develop the mindset and behaviors that they can use to effectively relate to diverse team members and clients across geographies and service functions, as well as to consciously make choices that limit bias. Additionally, several Deloitte member firms have instituted programs focused on diversity and inclusion management. Some examples include:

• Following the rollout of the Respect in the Workplace program, which focused on providing its professionals with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in relation to bullying, harassment, and discrimination issues, Deloitte Australia will launch an Inclusive Leadership program for its partners in June 2012. The program will assist leaders to leverage their teams' potential (drawing on diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences) by gaining insights into leading inclusive teams, harnessing innovation and creativity, and enhancing motivation and engagement.
• Deloitte United Kingdom introduced a video-based e-learning course on Respect and Engagement in the Workplace, and is piloting a manager development program aimed at raising awareness of diversity and inclusion-related issues and how leaders can best address them.
• Deloitte Belgium sponsors a "Managing a multicultural team" program to help managers recognize underlying cultural effects in team work performance, and learn how to communicate more effectively in a multicultural work environment.

To learn more about Deloitte diversity and inclusion initiatives, please visit www.deloitte.com/diversity.

For more information about Cultural Diversity Day events at Deloitte, please visit www.deloitte.com/culturaldiversityday.

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Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte's approximately 182,000 professionals are committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

SOURCE Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited