August 31, 2023 – Haworth has joined CREW Network’s CRE Pledge for Action. This is an industry-first, CEO-driven initiative to advance women and elevate actions that encourage greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. By signing on, Franco Bianchi, Haworth President and CEO, pledges to take action and be held accountable for implementing initiatives. Bianchi joins over 100 CEOs from leading CRE industry companies that have made the commitment.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential components in creating an environment where we all feel we belong. It makes our company better and the communities we serve stronger,” said Bianchi. “We strive to create a sense of belonging where everyone brings their full self to work. Joining this CRE Pledge for Action is another way to make progress on these goals.”
Understanding disparities and the lack of progress for women and all forms of diversity in commercial real estate, CREW Network is asking pledge signatories to improve performance, drive growth and enhance employee engagement. The pledge supports the advancement of women and other individuals in underrepresented groups including but not limited to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, religion and age. Bianchi has committed to adopt the following goals at Haworth:
Partner with CREW Network to support its mission to transform the industry by advancing women and beginning efforts now to make change
Close the compensation gap in the CRE industry by conducting a pay equity study
Increase inclusion through senior executive sponsorship of women and/or other individuals in underrepresented groups within the company
Advance women to top roles to achieve gender diversity in leadership
Increase diversity through intentional recruiting and hiring of individuals from diverse backgrounds
Implement accountability strategies to measure progress
“The CREW Network CRE Pledge for Action is a relevant, meaningful and actionable initiative that aligns well with the significant transformation currently underway globally,” said Wendy Mann, CREW Network CEO. “CEOs from leading commercial real estate companies understand they must be proactive and quickly act to address this fundamental issue in the workplace. CREW Network applauds Haworth for joining us, and we encourage and urge more firms across the CRE industry to be a part of this ground-breaking initiative.”
A growing body of research reveals that stronger business outcomes directly correlate with diverse teams and inclusive workplaces. However, commercial real estate has a workforce that remains predominately male and white. CREW Network, the leading producer of research on gender and diversity in the industry, delivers data and insight to advance women and positively impact the industry.