Emphasis on Inclusion: the key to success

The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) ) is highly valued and within the automotive industry, this is no exception. 

Diversity in our society is a fact: we work with people of different backgrounds, ages, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs and abilities. However, inclusion is a choice; we can choose to be respectful, kind and open to different perspectives. Our attitude towards inclusion promotes the sense of belonging in the communities.

At Mercedes-Benz Buses, we appreciate the uniqueness of our employees, we know how to appreciate our individuality. This is why diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion are part of our corporate strategy. 

We start by creating a culture of appreciation – discrimination, harassment, and bullying have no place in our company. Also, we have a working environment where employees feel safe and empowered to share, debate and propose ideas and solutions to everyday tasks and challenges. We encourage our teams to participate in projects and daily tasks to drive innovation. When employees with different perspectives, and experiences come together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and points of view.

Another crucial factor is that we make sure that our colleagues are valued for their potential and performance. In every process we make sure we offer equal opportunities and treatment for all our employees. 

Our DEI committee is in charge of reinforcing this culture on a daily basis. The committee is integrated by a multidisciplinary team, all working for the same purpose: To propose and promote activities that help create an environment of inclusion, respect and integrity at Mercedes-Benz Buses, with the goal that each employee can always be himself, herself or theirself, in this way we grow as a company and as a society. 

The committee is working on more than 40 initiatives to achieve this goal. The activities and initiatives are divided into different dimensions: age, social context, sexual orientation, religion and perspective of the world, physical and mental abilities, sex and gender identity and ethnicity and nationality. By having this matrix of dimensions, we ensure no one is left behind. The authenticity of each one of us contributes to the perfect mix that keeps the world moving. 

During May, The Daimler Truck Group celebrated Diversity Day, and in Mexico, the committee organized a Diversity Week to raise awareness of the importance to practice inclusion. Colleagues had the opportunity to participate in trainings and games to learn more about the basic concepts of DEI, the Daimler Truck Code of Conduct, our Non-Discrimination Policy, how to be an ally to the LGBT+ community, “happenings'' in which the employees could live a day with a disability, etc.

The company carries out best practices, which then become policies and processes, which had led us to receive certifications and awards, such as “HRC Equidad MX” from Human Rights Campaign, which positions us as one of the best companies to work for LGBT+ community, “Company committed to the labor inclusion of people with disabilities” award from Éntrale and the Mexican Council for Businesses.

However, our target goes way beyond our internal colleagues; it also extends to our customers and partners. We understand everyone’s individuality and work to enable them to experience mobility that suits them and their lives.

It is so important that all managers, OpCom members and each colleague committee to the DEI strategy, it is a big challenge since it involves behaviors, culture and mindset, but we as a Daimler Buses Mexico can say: It is possible. This is one of our contributions for society and the world.