Nike Announces New Diversity Initiatives Following Scandal
“This is not only about culture and leadership, but also about institutional bias.”
Following a recent string of harrassment allegations that have led to a number of senior figures leaving the company, Nike has now announced plans to combat the scandal with new diversity initiatives. The new measures are listed in a draft of the company’s latest sustainability report, which also explaining that the behaviour “did not reflect our core values of inclusivity, respect and empowerment” and acknowledging that “this is not only about culture and leadership, but also about institutional bias and practices that haven’t kept pace.”
According to the report, Nike is set to require 10,000 managers to take part in diversity training and unconscious bias awareness training, as well as launching a diversity talent acquisition team for hiring. Additionally, the Beavertown-based firm will help its employees enrol in business school and will put on mentorship programs for women and minorities. Speaking to Business of Fashion, Nike’s chief sustainability officer Hannah Jones explained that the company was “taking it very seriously. This is about a fundamental mindset shift and it comes from senior management.”
In other Nike news, the Nike: On Air 2018 winners have been announced.
