At Sempra we prioritize diversity and inclusion because it is the right thing to do. We also know that when employees are encouraged and empowered to show up as their authentic selves, it elevates our performance as a company.
We recently hosted Bystander Challenge sessions to further a sense of belonging for our employees. Hosted by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), 400 Sempra employees were trained in how to be an “upstander” instead of a bystander. Upstanders identify micro-aggressions, are effective allies in moments of conflict and follow up appropriately with all parties involved.
“Being respected, valued, and having a sense of belonging matters across the Sempra family of companies,” said DeMiko Jones, diversity and inclusion advisor at SoCalGas. “Knowing that we are empowered to support the company’s values by being an upstander or an ally helps create a community of belonging where people feel psychologically safe to be their whole 100% selves.”
NCRC suggests qualities such as empathy, courage, leadership and seeking justice for others are important to be an effective upstander.
Sempra has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. These trainings remain an integral part of reconfirming that with employees and shaping our upstanding employee culture through encouraging, creating and sustaining an inclusive environment for all.
“Doing the right thing can sometimes mean being courageous, even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone to take a direct or indirect approach to de-escalate a situation,” said Jones. “Creating that kind of culture here at Sempra is top of my mind for the company and our leadership. This motivates me to do my part not only as an employee, but also as an ally and human being.”
Learn more about our upstanding employee culture by browsing our D&I articles.
