Where to Begin ?
A Pathway to a Supplier Diversity Program
By Sarah Davie , President , Source1
The need for cultural progress is a calling of our times . Luxury hospitality can play an important role in this movement . When the pandemic hit the hospitality industry , supplier diversity was not at the top of the priority list , as so many resorts and luxury hotels shuttered their doors . But as we open those doors , we are opening them to a new reality . The world looks different and there are new priorities to attend to ; labor is scarce , the supply chain is hamstrung , and the world is looking at small and mid-size businesses to see where they stand on addressing the disparities of our modern age . Businesses of all shapes and sizes are thinking about diversity and inclusion . Some are even taking this thinking one step further looking outward at those suppliers with whom they do business . With the new year ahead , it could be the perfect time to approach your procurement in a new way and encourage D & I throughout every area of your operation .
A diverse supplier is a business that is at least 51 % owned and operated by an individual or group that is part of a traditionally underrepresented or underserved group . Common classifications are minority-owned enterprises ( MBEs ), and women-owned enterprises ( WBEs ). By partnering with diverse suppliers , you can discover new vendors and extend your D & I program . Partnering with more diverse suppliers fosters collaboration , drives company growth , and has a track record of boosting the bottom line . Not only does a commitment to D & I benefit your guests , but it also improves brand reputation and supports your local community . Additionally , a strong D & I program can attract new employees and help you retain the best and brightest . Employees are attracted to companies that are making a difference in the world and allowing them to focus on efforts like this can improve staff retention .
Here are some steps your operation can take to create a more inclusive and diverse atmosphere and grow your relationships with diverse suppliers :
Define Your Diversity Goals
Your D & I program will be unique to your business and your local community . No matter the size of your operation , the first place to start is to create an empowering D & I statement for your operation . This statement must be reflective of the values of the highest-level leaders in the company . How does this statement tie into your core values ? Does it send a message to your community that all are welcome at your property ? Working proactively to recruit employees from a diverse candidate pool , is there a staff member who might be willing to champion this effort ? What is the scope of your new program ?
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