Our Approach

Black & Decker aims to be a diverse and inclusive organization that develops and utilizes the full talents and potential of its employees.  As part of this goal, it is critical to maintain a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any employee.  Attaining this goal will create a stimulating, challenging, and satisfying environment for our employees, and help generate superior returns to our investors. 

Policy and Practice

Policies are posted on company intranet sites and distributed to new employees in new hire orientation.  In addition, there is an Ethics Awareness Center that instructs employees on what steps they can take if they have questions or concerns about code violations.

a. Discrimination Policy

As discussed in the section on Employment Practices, Black & Decker’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct includes the Corporation’s policy to ensure that no employee or applicant for employment is discriminated against in recruitment, hiring, training, or promotion because of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, marital status, or veteran status. 

b. Affirmative Action

All Black & Decker facilities located in the United States are subject to Executive Orders that require the Corporation to engage in affirmative action to recruit and to advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, and Vietnam era veterans. An Equal Employment Opportunity official is appointed at each location with responsibility to ensure compliance with our affirmative action program. All supervisors and managers are responsible for engaging in affirmative action.

c. Inclusion

Inclusion is one of the company’s core values, highlighting its importance to the corporate culture.  To help achieve our diversity and inclusion objectives, our business units monitor progress in the following areas:

• Training and Education
• Recruiting Talent
• Retaining Talent
• Leadership Development
• Communication

d. College Recruiting

Black & Decker has expanded its recruiting partnerships at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), including:

• Morgan State University
• Texas Southern University
• Cal State Fullerton
• Florida International University
• The University of Texas at San Antonio

The focus on diversity recruitment also includes utilizing a number of electronic job boards that focus on diverse candidates.  In addition, Black & Decker is partnering with search firms that specialize in sourcing diverse candidates at senior levels.
 
An orientation program and onboarding process has been developed to aid in retention of talent.  This program is designed to educate the new hire on the history and culture of Black & Decker.  Included is a tool that the hiring manager can use to develop a plan to integrate the new employee. This helps the new employee to gain a better understanding of the company and to develop the networks and relationships necessary to be successful.

There is a diversity awareness training program, “Dialogue on Diversity,” that is designed for all current employees and is included in the onboarding process for new employees.  There is also ongoing education for employees on the company Code of Ethics policies in the “Doing What’s Right” training program.