What Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mean to Us
As an advisory firm that helps some of the biggest companies move the needle on complex issues, having a team that is diverse and views issues through a variety of lenses is critical. That’s why we are committed to cultivating a culture that uplifts our colleagues’ unique backgrounds and experiences. We recognize that in prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion we are better equipped to help clients be catalysts for progress and solve the world’s greatest challenges.
Defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
APCO’s commitment to DEI begins with clear definitions to guide our organizational frameworks.
Diversity
We define diversity along a broad range of dimensions that include, but are not limited to culture, ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language, national origin, age, physical abilities, neurodivergence, religion/spirituality and political beliefs. We also prioritize diversity of educational background, professional journeys and personal experiences.
Equity
Equity is about creating practices and policies that support employees so they can thrive. Being equitable involves acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities and creating equal access to opportunities. Accelerating equity means acting proactively and intentionally to ensure our policies and frameworks reflect fair treatment and access, while considering unique individual circumstances.
Inclusion
Inclusion is about fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and can contribute fully. It goes beyond assembling diverse teams; it’s about ensuring that perspectives are heard and regarded with respect. Accelerating inclusion happens when employees feel valued and their differences are respected and embraced.
Why This Matters to APCO
As the world’s largest majority women-owned independent advisory and advocacy communications consultancy, we have a role to play in supporting and empowering our employees. It’s our responsibility to take the guidance we share with clients and institute it internally, pushing ourselves to do more and to do better. We are building on our 40-year legacy to ensure that all employees are empowered with the most equitable systems fully integrated into a truly inclusive workplace culture.
What We’re Doing in North America
We Are Committed to Accelerating What’s Right
Accelerate What’s Right is APCO’s North America program to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within our company, client initiatives and our communities. Our vision is to cultivate an environment where our people can bring their full selves to work and be champions for meaningful change within and beyond our own walls.
We Hold Ourselves Accountable
This journey is long and takes commitment and so, to hold ourselves accountable to progress, in 2021 we launched our inaugural North America DEI Outlook. This report is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace and serves several crucial purposes.
We Support our Colleagues
In addition to Accelerate What’s Right and leadership teams, there are several groups dedicated to driving DEI efforts, particularly our North America employee resource groups.
Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Group
The ANHPI ERG aims to create a collaborative network of support, understanding and validation for those with heritage from countries in the Asia Pacific region. Along with a safe space to share stories and cultural experiences, this group works to support the advancement, talent recruitment, retention and professional development of our ANHPI community at APCO.
BAAM APCO
Black African Ancestry Movement (BAAM) is an ERG for all employees of the African diaspora, including those of African American, Caribbean and mixed-race background. BAAM seeks to attract, retain, develop and support employees at APCO while advancing a diverse and inclusive work environment.
LatinAPCO
LatinAPCO is a community in which members support and empower one another by sharing their experiences to unite the Hispanic/Latino(a) community at APCO through a collaborative network that promotes cultural awareness.
Limitless@APCO
Limitless@APCO fosters community among people with visible and invisible disabilities, people who are neurodivergent and allies. The aim is to provide a safe space for impacted people and allies to dialogue and educate about challenges, share success tools and promote actions for an accessible workplace inclusive of different ways of working together. We welcome allies and those who identify as neurodivergent (e.g., ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and/or having a disability (including but not limited to mobility disabilities, depression, hearing loss, diabetes and cancer).
The Parents Group
The Parents Group provides a community and resources for soon-to-be and current parents at APCO that advocates for parents’ success in the workplace; helps colleagues understand their unique value; and benefits all types of parents, including but not limited to: biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents, single parents, same-sex parents, expecting parents and those thinking about starting a family.
Proud@APCO
The Proud@APCO ERG is an active group comprised of LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies to support one another while advocating for full inclusion and belonging at work and in society.
Women’s Leadership Group
The APCO WLG is an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that provides resources, support and mentorship for women of any identification at APCO. APCO prides itself on being majority woman owned. In that tradition, our group is committed to helping all women at APCO show up authentically, share and learn from differing perspectives and collaborate to continually heighten the experience of women at APCO.
Our Actions in Europe
The Europe D&I Council was formed in 2020 as a cross-office initiative. Employee-led and supported by APCO’s European leadership team and the European HR team, its mission is to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can belong. The Council focuses its actions on four key areas:
- Recruitment, Retention & Talent Development – Attracting and recruiting a workforce that is representative of the communities we work in, with and for;
- Education & Advocacy – Raising awareness and educating the workforce about topical issues, encouraging self-reflection;
- Client & Project Work – Building teams based on individuals’ potential, skill and experience and the needs of the projects over any potential biases or stereotypes;
- Community Outreach – Partnering with local youth and community organizations to share our expertise and experience and broaden horizons.
Within each of these areas, a group of dedicated individuals collaborate to create awareness and drive change within APCO in Europe. We pledge to not only adopt new policies and processes, but also encourage the whole team to learn and understand how we can all make our workplace more diverse and inclusive.
Europe Employee Resource Groups
The Power of Difference
Power of Difference (PoD) is a group to empower LGBTQIA+ employees and allies in Europe, creating a place to share experiences and foster relationships within our diverse community. Along with our internal work to inform, educate, and celebrate our colleagues, we also work on community outreach programmes that help uphold APCO’s commitment to do more and do better.
