Inserting the Diversity & Inclusion agenda in companies is no longer a differential and today it is essential and permeates the companies' strategy. According to the study "Diversity as a performance lever", produced by McKinsey consultancy, companies that have ethnic and diverse representation in their teams are 33% more likely to have superior financial performance, compared to organizations that do not prioritize this policy. At Neoenergia, the pillars of Diversity & Inclusion are continually reinforced and are part of Junt+s, the company's Diversity Program, focused on promoting a work environment of inclusion, respect for differences, empowerment and combating prejudice.
An example of successful practice in this sphere is the Junt+s app, launched by Neoenergia this year. The platform, available through the link app.vc/juntos_neoenergia, multiplies content with testimonials, information, diversity numbers, videos and games. From the content produced for the app, employees have access to information, in addition to recognizing and performing good diversity practices in the most different environments.
“Our purpose is to seek equal opportunities for everyone and we know we can make a difference, as we are an important part of this process. When we respect differences, we are able to build better work environments and a better society.", says Régia Barbosa, Neoenergia's Organizational Development superintendent.
Value creation
Neoenergia's Diversity Program is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, especially the 5th, aimed at Gender Equality, and the 10th, to reduce inequalities. Currently, the company has 43% of women in its corporate teams, with 44% of the female presence on the Executive Board. The goal is for the percentage numbers to be even more expressive in the coming years.
This scenario at Neoenergia contributes to attracting and retaining talent, in addition to generating positive impacts on the customer experience. See below reports from Neoenergia employees and how the theme of Diversity & Inclusion has impacted their lives:
Eidy Bittencourt is a specialist in energy purchase and
MUST (Transmission System Usage Amount) hiring. She has been working at
Neoenergia Brasília for 10 years and it was from the moment that Neoenergia
took over the management of the distributor in the Federal District – in March
2021 – that she became more attentive to the topic of Diversity &
Inclusion.
“Having these pillars in the work environment is something new for me
and I have learned a lot. When the Junt+s app came out, I messed around with
everything that was available in it. It was very interesting to watch the
videos with the reports of colleagues about their experiences, as this way I
could get to know their point of view better and see in practice how prejudice
affects each one's life. It is very sad to see that something like this still
happens and information is an important ally for the behavior to be
transformed. Another important point is living with differences. Putting
yourself in the other's shoes involves the assumption that you know the other's
reality, which is why living with diversity can be so enriching.”
Priscilla Santos is a senior analyst at Internal Audit
and has been working at Neoenergia since 2014. In addition to the Junt+s app,
Priscila is very fond of the conversation circles and monthly lectures promoted
by the company on the most diverse topics related to Diversity &
Inclusion.
“I have noticed people in the company becoming more and more
participative and interested in learning and welcoming during these monthly
meetings. Among the lectures given by Neoenergia, one stood out, when the guest
came to talk about the Black Consciousness Day and approached the subject in a
very didactic way, presenting facts from our history that I had never heard
about. The result of initiatives like this can be seen in the daily work
environment, as I realize that colleagues have been more sensitive to the
issues. I'm interested in gender issues and I really enjoy reading about the
topic, so I can see how far I've come, even if there's still a lot to be done.
I see how these pillars of Diversity & Inclusion are important values for
the company, working on matters beyond the commemorative dates, as the work is
continuous throughout the year”.
Livia Rezende joined Neoenergia as an intern in 2013
and currently works as a full Corporate Governance analyst at the holding
company in Rio de Janeiro. She clearly sees how Diversity policies &
Inclusion in the company has an impact on her life and she is proud to be part
of a company with these values, especially as part of the LGBT
community.
“My work environment is one of the most welcoming in this regard, as it
makes me feel welcomed and comfortable with my identity. I see how Neoenergia
is open to diversity and has a posture of inclusion. I am very proud to be part
of a company with that kind of vision, which has targeted diversity policies.
This is a Neoenergia differential, which makes me feel belonging and secure. In
the Junt+s app, I really enjoyed seeing the testimonials of employees, as it is
an excellent way to generate rapport and recognition, sometimes we sit next to
a colleague and we don't even know their story, which makes it more difficult
to put yourself in the place of the other. I always participate in lectures and
conversation circles and I invite my colleagues to do the same, as this
engagement makes the project continue. It's very nice to see people
participating, as I see the great reach that Neoenergia's initiatives have
among employees and the positive impact that this generates among
everyone."