We’ve all heard of the Forbes list, the annual awards for businesses and trailblazers and the stamp of approval that your company is advocating for positive change. Well, this year, we’ve made it for the most important reason of all—our passionate efforts that continue to bring us closer to a truly inclusive workforce. We know that achieving true diversity is a journey and we’re proud to be acknowledged as a company that’s committed to making continual progress.
Building a culture where everyone feels welcome
At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with inclusion and to create the future we need people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where all kinds of people can do their best work. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) represent some of the diverse communities that make up who we are as a company. They connect us, empower us, and help us enact change.
The difference ERGs make is clear to people like Ravi Sharma, co-lead of the Oracle Professional Asian Leadership group. “In my 23 years at Oracle, I have seen remarkable progress in promoting diversity and inclusion within the company. While I have been involved with OPAL for just three years, I have already witnessed numerous successful community events that foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and recognition for all members,” Ravi says.
Closing the gender divide
Women thrive at Oracle because of our inclusive culture, flexible policies, and strong supports. When Loralee Hamilton realized she was ready come back to work after a career break, she worried about finding her place in a working world that was so different to the one she left behind fourteen years earlier—until she joined Oracle.
“The Oracle Career Relaunch Program was a welcome safety net in my first months at Oracle,” Loralee says. She notes that her manager played an essential role in her transition back to work. “More than anyone, my manager has always believed in the value I can deliver to Oracle. I was embraced into the team without anyone questioning my gap years.”
Opening eyes to bias
Global vice president of diversity and inclusion, Traci Wade, explains that to become an inclusive workforce, it’s vital that we recognize the unconscious bias that exists in the world around us. Oracle has been making strides in this space by delivering unconscious bias training to all employees.
“Opening our eyes to unconscious bias comes through education and awareness that we all have biases,” Traci confirms. “Also, learning the tools to mitigate our conscious and unconscious bias. It takes a willingness for people across the organization to be open-minded and intentional in evolving a culture of inclusion.”
Driving industry-wide change
Leaders at Oracle are working hard to increase diversity in the technology industry at large. One way Oracle has tackled this lack of inclusion is by providing support to young engineering students. One example includes partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs), which has also led to Oracle being named a top supporter of HBCUs.
Learning to be more inclusive
What’s the key to moving forward on our diversity and inclusion journey? It’s human nature to have biases, but leaders like Oracle CIO Jae Evans encourages people to learn from them.
When asked how to be a better ally, Traci Wade believes being an active listener can go a long way. “Great allies aren’t just great allies to your face,” she says. “They’re courageous and speak up and speak out on the behalf of marginalized groups. It’s about changing the dialogue in that moment, and encouraging a culture of inclusion and understanding through actions, and not just words.”
At Oracle, we’re proud to create the future by embracing different points of view. It’s when everyone’s voice is heard and valued that we’re inspired to go beyond what’s been done before.
Do you want to join a company that makes diversity and inclusion a priority? Explore our career opportunities and create the future with us.