Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

1.0 Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

EDI is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value our employees for their unique talents and abilities. We embrace and encourage our employee’s differences in backgrounds, experiences, race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical, mental and/or intellectual abilities, age, military or veteran status, family, or marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and social economic status, among other characteristics. All employees are valued for their individual differences and the unique contributions that help us achieve our business goals. EDI seeks out diversity with the knowledge that a more diverse workforce creates a stronger more dynamic company.

Through our diversity, equity, and inclusion policy, EDI seeks to create a positive work environment where all employees can reach their full potential and maximize their contributions. We are committed to our employees’ dignity and well-being and make every effort to provide all employees with a safe and professional work environment.

EDI strives to treat its employees fairly, with respect, and to maintain a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and other offensive or unprofessional behavior, as stated in the company’s anti-harassment policy. Employees are always expected to treat others with dignity and respect while in the workplace, at company-sponsored events, at all work-related functions, and any public settings where the employee’s association with the EDI is known, such as offline, online and/or social media platforms.

2.0 Practices

To ensure a respectful and dignified workplace, and to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, EDI supports the following practices:

2.1 Recruitment

Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at EDI, and we recognize the value of recruiting, selecting, and promoting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. We prohibit discrimination based on the characteristics laid out above during the recruitment process.

2.2 Career Development and Promotion

EDI rewards excellence and all employees are promoted based on their performance. All managers are trained in managing diversity to ensure that employees are treated fairly and evaluated objectively. We prohibit discrimination based on the characteristics laid out above during performance reviews and promotion processes.

2.3 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

All employees are required to complete annual training to promote a greater understanding and enhance employee knowledge in EDI’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

2.4 Teamwork

EDI encourages employee participation, respectful communication, and collaboration between all employees that permits the representation and inclusion of all employee perspectives. We also support open communication and freedom of expression in a respectful manner to allow employees to feel safe to voice their concerns and opinions.

2.5 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

EDI acknowledges that employees have different backgrounds and experiences, and that each one brings a unique perspective to any interaction within our company. Therefore, the company empowers all employees to not just listen, but to embrace diverse viewpoints that we can all learn from. Employees will be provided with growth and advancement opportunities based on their contributions and performance. We will ensure all areas of employment are objective and will take steps to reduce unconscious bias to ensure equal treatment of all employees.

2.6 Religious Diversity

EDI acknowledges that employees have different religious practices and beliefs. Tolerance and acceptance of religious views is vital and beneficial to a diverse workforce.

2.7 National Origin

EDI appreciates and values the diversity of its workforce and understands that English may not be a native language for all employees.

2.8 Work/Life Balance

EDI supports flexible work practices and policies that support employees and their changing needs (e.g., family responsibilities). EDI recognizes that providing flexible work practices allows employees to use working arrangements that meet their need to balance their work and family lives.

2.9 Accessibility

EDI seeks to ensure that employees of all abilities can access the information and resources they need to perform their jobs. We will provide a reasonable accommodation for any employee’s disability so that the employee can perform the essential duties of the job in question. Please contact the HR Manager, should you need any workplace accommodation.

2.10 Names and Pronouns

An employee has the right to be addressed by the name and pronoun of the employee’s choice. No documentation is required, except for payroll and insurance records that must match the employee’s legal name. An employee’s coworkers are expected to be respectful of the employee’s choice and to use name and pronouns requested by the employee. Intentional use
a different name or pronoun than that chosen by the employee is a violation of this policy and may constitute unlawful harassment. Employees who are unsure of what pronoun a coworker prefers, should politely ask that coworker how they would like to be addressed.

2.11 E-mail Signature

The company values self-expression and self-identification. You may voluntarily include your gender pronouns (i.e., she/her/hers or they/them/their) in e-mail signatures and other bios. Including gender pronouns in e-mail signatures is not required. The pronoun an employee indicates is not necessarily indicative of their gender identity.

2.12 Restrooms

Employees shall have access to the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. For example, a person who identifies as a man should use the men’s restroom, and a person who identifies as a woman should use the women’s restroom. If there is a desire for increased privacy, the company will work with the employee for alternative options. Please contact the HR Manager, should you have any questions on this.

3.0 Application

This Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy applies in all aspects of employment. Every effort is made to ensure that our policies regarding hiring, compensation, promotion, and transfer are based solely on job requirements, job performance, and job-related criteria. In addition, we strive to administer our employment policies and practices, including those relating to compensation, benefits, transfer, retention, termination, training, career development opportunities, as well as social and recreational programs, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws. Please contact the HR Manager, should you have any questions at all on DE&I.