At UnitedHealth Group, the resounding message is clear: togetherness, belonging, and support are not just words, but the pillars of their enterprise employee resource groups (ERGs). This commitment resonates throughout their organization, fostering an inclusive culture where every voice is valued.
Empathy serves as the cornerstone, enabling a profound understanding and genuine effort to connect with each other. As one male voiceover articulates, “Empathy is a start. That’s where much of the walking in someone else’s shoes really comes from. It really allows for us to understand that people are listening, and they’re making an effort, they’re really trying.” This sentiment underscores the foundation of mutual respect and consideration upon which UnitedHealth Group’s inclusive environment is built.
The focus on community and inclusive culture is further emphasized by another male speaker: “This is about how we find community, how we build on our inclusive culture, and it’s how we further a sense of belonging across our organization.” This proactive approach to cultivating belonging is not merely a symbolic gesture. It’s a strategic imperative for the largest healthcare company globally. A female speaker highlights this scale and potential impact: “We are the biggest healthcare company in the world. We have the greatest opportunity for impact.”
Representation plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of acceptance and validation. One male speaker poignantly describes the impact of lacking representation: “When you get to a place that you don’t see that representation, it kind of, you know, puts some question marks in your head, like what am I doing here? Is it is it really accepted? Is it really something that this company wants?” Conversely, witnessing individuals from diverse backgrounds in leadership positions can be transformative. A female speaker shares a personal anecdote: “We had a visitor from another office and she was Latina, and she was a director. Up until then, I hadn’t fully understood that I could reach that high of a level in leadership. Those experiences shouldn’t be few and far in between. I think the ERG can help make those more often.” This “seeing is believing” mentality is powerful, as another female speaker notes, “Seeing is believing. So when you can see someone that is similar to you, that has gone the distance, it makes you want to keep running.”
The authenticity of UnitedHealth Group’s commitment to diversity and inclusion profoundly impacts employee engagement. As a male speaker states, “If it’s real and it’s authentic, it changes your involvement with the organization. Because we’re already passionate about the mission.” However, passion alone is insufficient; tangible action is essential. Another male speaker emphasizes this: “Just talking about something is not enough. I think anything, again, worth doing, takes action that is needed behind it, and that action has to be seen by others in order for others to come along.”
Ultimately, diversity and inclusion are recognized as catalysts for innovation. A female speaker articulates this connection: “There’s no way to have innovation without diversity, of all things. And so, that requires an inclusive culture, and that is how you engage with communities. And so, unless all of these things are connected and present, it’s just not possible to innovate in the best possible way.” This interwoven relationship between diversity, inclusion, and innovation underscores their strategic importance to UnitedHealth Group’s continued success and impact in healthcare. The feeling of being welcomed and safe within the community is paramount, as it empowers individuals to contribute fully. A male speaker explains, “That feeling of safety allows you to participate. And you can’t make a difference if you don’t feel comfortable in sharing your thoughts and sharing your ideas, right? You can’t contribute.”
UnitedHealth Group’s dedication extends beyond mere recognition of diversity; it encompasses celebration and proactive cultivation. A male speaker concludes, “It’s not only about recognizing diversity, it’s how we celebrate it, it’s how we seek it, it’s how we drive it for organization.” This internal transformation manifests externally, as a female speaker beautifully summarizes: “It’s external from what you can see, but it’s really internal. The way I feel inside, you can see it on the outside, and it’s manifested itself. So that’s what I’m excited about.”
UnitedHealth Group invites individuals to “come share who you are and do your life’s best work,” reinforcing their commitment to diversity as a cornerstone of a healthier atmosphere. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, UnitedHealth Group ensures equal consideration for all qualified applicants, irrespective of background, embodying their deeply held values of inclusion and belonging.
