Philips works hard at diversity and inclusion

In 2009, when Marisa Tauro was three months into a year-long contract as a benefits administrator at Philips Canada, a Mississauga-based health technology company, she was surprised to be offered a permanent, full-time position. “I wasn’t expecting the discussion of a full-time position to happen before the end of my contract,” she says. “Philips is big on seeing the value that people bring to their work and ensuring that talent is retained – they saw that potential in me.”

That first year, Tauro didn’t have a career plan mapped out. “I started as a human resources generalist – working in rewards wasn’t in my wheelhouse,” she says. “What’s great about Philips is that you’re invited to work on projects that you’ve never had exposure to, which helps you see what else is out there.”

Over time, Tauro was given more responsibility and promotions, becoming the total rewards leader in 2019. In this role, she develops and implements the employee rewards program, which includes benefits, pension plans, health and wellness initiatives, sick leave and leave of absences. Some of the plans are flexible, offering options to employees.

Beyond her role, Tauro makes time to contribute to Philips’ health and well-being committee and is closely involved in the company’s inclusion and diversity initiatives. Tauro, who is Indian, appreciates the support Philips provides to women and visible minorities through their Women’s Leadership Group and Culture Committee. “We’ve been implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives for years because we want to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected,” she says.

Vice president and managing director Britta Kroupa applauds Philips’ commitment in this area. In 2020, the company instituted an Inclusion and Diversity Day – an additional day off work that employees could take anytime, to recognize a religious holiday, celebrate a day of cultural significance, participate in a Pride event or learn about other cultures. “I’m proud of our HR team members who worked really hard on bringing this to fruition,” she says.

An internal inclusion and diversity committee focuses on hiring diverse candidates – and then works hard to ensure their success. “Once we have these candidates on board, we check on how they’re progressing through the company,” says Kroupa. “We want to know, are they developing and being promoted?”

Kroupa, who joined the company in 2019, was impressed with its core values. “I found myself very taken with Philips’ vision and mission because it incorporates wellness and sustainability – and while it affects people globally, it starts at home,” she says. “We pride ourselves not only on our sustainability commitments in regard to the environment and circular economy, but also the sustainability of our people, their health and well-being.”

Both sustainability and the well-being of the Philips’ team was discussed when readying the new Philips Canada headquarters. Although employees are still working remotely, there are plans for a gradual return to the office in January 2022. The new open-concept space has plenty of light, a dedicated room for prayer or breastfeeding, a restaurant with healthy food and takeout options, an indoor fitness facility and outdoor fitness equipment.

Although Tauro plans to work partly at home in the new year, she’s looking forward to seeing the new office – and to greeting her colleagues in person again. “The people I work with make for a great day,” she says. “They’re talented and smart, and there are incredible partnerships. You always feel heard and that you have a voice, no matter what level of the company you work in and the impacts go beyond our workplace. Individuals, their families and the wider community, they all benefit.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Greater Toronto's Top Employers winners, published December 3, 2021 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.