Diversity policy sees Farnell, Liege recognised as “a great place to work”

Farnell’s Liege distribution centre in the Wallonie region of southern Belgium has been recognised as a “great place to work” by the Charte de Diversite. The accolade underlines the company’s policy of encouraging and supporting diversity and making its employees the focal point of the organisation.

Now nearing its 10th anniversary since setting-up in Liege, the 19,000 square metre distribution centre currently employs 225 staff. The company actively encourages the employment of women in what is a traditionally male dominated market sector; currently 19% of the Liege distribution centre’s staff is female. The company is also active in trying to broaden the cultural and ethnic diversity of those it employs.

In order to ensure high service delivery, every leader within the Farnell business is encouraged to spend time coaching and developing their teams, ensuring that each and every individual has a personal development plan. To promote a close team working environment, the Liege distribution centre holds regular events. During 2010 the company organised eight such events including a ‘Women’s Day’, a mini football tournament, and a wellness week. Further similar events have been organised during 2011.

In addition to demonstrating strong principles in terms of its employee care and development, the company has also been recognised for its ethical and environmental credentials. Firstly, Premier Farnell was cited as one of the World’s  Most Ethical Companies for 2011in the 5th annual list released by the Ethisphere Institute, a New York think tank. Secondly, the company has recently been accepted as a member of the European Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI); an accolade that provides recognition of the success of Premier Farnell’s sustainability strategy and its enhanced Trust Agenda.

Commenting on the company’s employment and diversity strategy, Eric Lacroix, Farnell Liege Distribution Centre Manager, said: “Encouraging and supporting diversity is a fundamental part of Farnell’s philosophy and is something we will continue to focus on. We are happy that our staff enjoy coming to work here, reflected in the fact that 83% of employees would recommend Farnell, Liege as a good place to work.”

Quelle: Farnell