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In 2021, Electrolux set new diversity and inclusion (D&I) aspirational objectives, established new long-term partnerships and engaged employees through global trainings, workshops, webinars and employee networks. 

The new Electrolux D&I Objectives approved in 2021 have three pillars: Diversity, Inclusive culture, and Equal treatment. Each pillar has objectives and KPIs to track progress. The overall mindset is to recognize the unique value that every individual brings to the company.

The objectives include plans to implement minimum global parental leave in 2022, and a 40-60% gender balance among company leaders by 2030. At the end of 2021, the overall proportion of female people leaders was 28.3%.

"We want to have an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and encouraged through respect and equal treatment as we live our purpose to shape living for the better," says Jonas Samuelson, CEO. "Diversity and inclusion make us stronger, more innovative and a better employer."

"Our new objectives provide a foundation that we will build on as we strive to make further progress in diversity and inclusion," says Federica Alzetta Global Talent & Performance Director. "Importantly, it gives us the structure, aspirational objectives and KPIs we need to drive progress and bring about real change throughout our company."

Partnering on D&I 

In 2021, Electrolux became a signatory of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as part of its long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, WEPs are a set of principles that provide guidance to business on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and society.  

"I'm proud that Electrolux is now a global signatory of the UN Women Empowerment Principles to empower women in the workplace through equal opportunities and fair treatment," says Samuelson. "Electrolux has been a long-term signatory of the UN Global Compact and is committed to its principle of non-discrimination in the workplace."   

As part of its diversity and inclusion ambition around the world, Electrolux also joined Workplace Pride, which is dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT+ people in workplaces worldwide. 

Global D&I training and employee engagement

In early 2021, Electrolux launched its global D&I e-learning. The interactive e-learning highlights the importance of D&I and how each employee can contribute toward a more diverse and inclusive work environment. The aim is for as many employees to take the e-learning as possible, and almost 8,000 employees, equivalent to 43% of the eligible global workforce, had taken it by the end of 2021. 

"The new e-learning provides a great introduction into diversity and inclusion before encouraging colleagues to deepen their knowledge in our virtual Challenge Bias Workshop on unconscious bias," says Alzetta. 

In addition, we have several employee-driven grassroots D&I networks all around Electrolux that promote diversity, inclusion and equality based on local needs and priorities. The networks play an important role in coordinating local action and initiating initiatives. All the networks are open to anyone to join. 

Drawing on behavioral change expertise  

In 2021, Electrolux began partnering with behavioral change specialists Mindgym to provide greater expertise, trainings and tools. Mindgym brings a research-based perspective and is enabling Electrolux to cultivate a more inclusive culture.

During 2021, Electrolux collaborated with Mindgym on two new webinars:  

• "Different Like Me" – a 60-minute global session into inclusion and what it means for Electrolux and for individual employees. 
• "Stand By Me" – a 60-minute global session on how employees can be an active ally and continuously act to bring about positive change.

Mindgym has also helped Electrolux to develop a new D&I toolkit for leaders that was launched in Q1 2022. The toolkit provides guidance and tips on how to be more consciously inclusive as a leader.  

Read more in our For the Better 2030 Goal: Act ethically, lead in diversity and respect human rights.