Innovation

Two years ago Swiss Re decided to become deeply involved with globalizing a LGBTQ steering group. With the help of Michael Bacon stepping up as chairman of the organization, Swiss RE employees have been proactive in participating in LGBTQ awareness events. Some of these events include workplace pride global benchmarking event and the rainbow tea party.

Mr. Bacon commented about the workplace pride global benchmarking event as, "a successful event for social injustice." Another great way Swiss RE showed their support was by hanging rainbow colored flags on their Zurich headquarters during June 11-16. This really reinforces Swiss RE's commitment to improving LGBTQ in today's society.

Inspiration

In today's society, LGBTQ rights is one of the hottest trending topics. With more companies striving to be more diverse Swiss RE has become inspired to welcome all. Mr. Bacon said he was inspired by his personal history as his Mom being "a single parent, working hard to provide and excel in the workplace". This inspired him to fight for the rights of those in the LGBTQ community along with creating job openings and charity events to show Swiss RE's support. Mr. Bacon also commented, "By being who I am, I can the shape the program", reflecting that many other individuals of all backgrounds can do the same.

Overall impact

The overall impact of Swiss RE's involvement within the movement is having people of the LGBTQ community feel included in today's fast paced society. In the modern workforce, many of these people are being neglected and judged while Swiss RE is accepting and breaking down barriers that are still struggling fall. With each event that Swiss RE holds, the message continues to become stronger and clearer reaching more people across the globe.

Mr. Bacon is a huge part of the organization's message continuing to build a strong and inclusive community that all are welcome to join.

Business benefit

Swiss Re’s recent employment of their “America’s Diversity and Inclusion” program has greatly benefited the company. After speaking with one of the co-chair’s as well as America’s head of principal investments and acquisitions: Michael Bacon, it is clear that Swiss Re really cares about its employees. By holding monthly events and encouraging comfortable work atmospheres, Swiss Re has definitely set a high standard for company mission statements. A key note of the program is their “employee rights and spouse hold benefits”. This LGBTQ ideal aims to promote awareness as well as acceptance for its employees and workers. By fostering the continued growth of this program, “Swiss Re aims to accomplish an all-inclusive work culture.”

We have seen in recent studies that when companies support efforts in including and supporting LGBTQ employees retention rates increase within that company. It has also shown having a more diverse company allows for more creativity which will lead to more innovation and more ideas. Research has also shown that employees who feel afraid about their social orientation in the workplace lack motivation to do their best. When a company accepts peoples rights and identities that person will then become comfortable and work to the best of their abilities.

Social and environmental benefit

The LGBTQ community has not always been as welcomed into society as they should be. Unfortunately as a society we can be sometimes be close-minded. We are always looking for ways to grow and develop for the better. Having support for the LGBTQ community is a change society is slowly starting to accept.

As a society we have the ability to change we just sometimes first need to see what the change looks like. With the help of companies like Swiss RE change and awareness for the LGBTQ community can already be noticed. Swiss Re is not only helping out LGBTQ members that are apart of there companies but showing other companies ways to improve there own.

Interview

Michael Bacon, America's Head of Principal Investment and Acquisitions