On the journey towards true diversity, equity, and inclusion, our responsibility as corporate citizens extend beyond just our company and our employees – it means reaching and uplifting the communities we live in and serve.
SAP‘s vision is to help the world run better and improve people‘s lives, whilst being one of the most diverse and inclusive software companies in the world. With over 110,000 employees representing 153 nationalities, we understand that the unique perspective of each individual makes SAP a more innovative organization. We are proud of the rich culture we have created for our employees to be their authentic selves in order for our company to perform at its best.
At SAP Canada, we are committed to the principles that foster this in our culture and in the day-to-day practices that bring it to life. We continue to work towards evolving our Diversity and Inclusion approach so that it is deeply embedded into our business practices, and it is so meaningful that SAP Canada has been awarded three distinct awards as part of the 2023 Employment Equity Achievement Awards (EEAA) by the Government of Canada including the Outstanding Commitment to Employment Equity Award, Innovation Award, and Indigenous Reconciliation Award. Through the EEAA, employers are publicly recognized for outstanding achievement in implementing employment equity in their workplaces.
We know all employees have a role to play in building and maintaining an inclusive culture. We are attempting to do that by creating actionable goals across our entire organization from partners and suppliers, to hiring and training, and from within our Employee Network Groups (ENG). In Canada alone, we have over 25 Employee Network Group (ENG) chapters inspiring innovation and allowing all people to share their unique perspectives to collaborate and influence the culture of SAP. ENGs such as the Black Employee Network, Business Women Network, Indigenous Ally Network, Pride@SAP, etc., focus on a common journey that everyone can bring their full selves to work, leverage our diversity as a fuel for innovation, and nurture a sense of belonging.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Like all Canadian businesses, SAP Canada has a responsibility to advance and enact Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #92. Our Indigenous Ally Network ENG brings employees together to learn about Indigenous culture and engage in supporting Indigenous people and communities.
“Being a proud SAP employee and Indigenous person, I know my ideas are supported and encouraged,” said Lisa OBorne, SAP Canada Indigenous Ally Network Co-Lead. ”I’m encouraged by the steps taken by SAP to build relationships with Indigenous people in Canada. While being able to freely express my perspectives and identity at work, I also feel a responsibility to the Indigenous community to help guide and act as an advocate for creating more meaningful connections between SAP and the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. “
Over the past three years, SAP Canada has taken active steps in our reconciliation journey including educational programing, community service, adding indigenous owned business and services into our supply chain, and expanding our business partnerships to support Indigenous businesses. We launched the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program in Canada, where our employees donate their time and expertise to help Indigenous-owned companies solve key business challenges. And with our recent partnership with PLATO, we are creating training and employment opportunities across the Indigenous technology workforce. We also became members of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), an organization focused on building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses through diverse programming, tools, training and network building.
“As an original member of the SAP Indigenous Inclusion Steering Committee, I am proud of our efforts to drive process changes in hiring, external First Nations development projects and partnerships with colleges to align our internship program,” said Christopher Hennebery, SAP Canada Indigenous Ally Network Co-Lead.
We also actively look at high-performing sources of candidates including Indigenous people, people with autism, caregivers, and we remain committed to increasing the percentage of women in leadership positions.
SAP Canada provides D&I solutions to fuel innovation, foster equality, and spread opportunity across borders and cultures. We believe that by celebrating and empowering differences, our employees can be their authentic and best selves who come together to achieve common goals. Together, with our customers and partners, we can transform industries, grow economies, lift societies, and sustain our environment. We want to leave a lasting legacy so we can inspire and encourage others. We are still at the beginning stage of the journey and will continue to evolve in order to ensure we are bringing the best diversity and inclusion initiatives to our people, our community, our partners, and our customers.