How The Hanover Unlocks the Power of Their Team by Creating a More Inclusive Culture

What does an inclusive workplace look like? 

We asked Denise Lowsley, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Hanover Insurance Group, to tell us how her organization supports and fosters an inclusive workplace culture. 

“We want everyone to feel empowered to share their unique perspective and perform to their full potential,” shares Lowsley. “It’s the best way for team members to feel valued and engaged. And from a business perspective, that’s where growth and new opportunities emerge.”

As a human resources (HR) leader, Lowsley understands the value of extending inclusivity at The Hanover — both in terms of building a flourishing business and supporting the workforce.  Their efforts to increase cultural awareness has created greater empathy and those deeper connections drive team performance.  

Another emerging dynamic is greater workplace flexibility. “This is an area where The Hanover performs very well, and we hear it from all corners of our workforce: flexibility allows our team members to meet their work and personal obligations with greater autonomy. Given our foundation in inclusion, we are better able to meet the varying needs of our workforce.”

We chatted with Lowsley to learn more about inclusion at The Hanover and how the company creates an inclusive working environment.

Fostering inclusivity at The Hanover

How does a company develop their special culture? Lowsley shared, “At The Hanover, we foster and support our inclusive culture by ensuring our workplace is a welcoming environment that cultivates a sense of belonging. We encourage team members to be their authentic selves, and we remain fully committed to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDE) journey.”

Lowsley pointed to the company’s CARE values — collaboration, accountability, respect, and empowerment — as integral to their work. These values “guide us in everything we do, from how we act toward each other to how we deliver on our commitments to our clients,” she explained. “We embrace flexibility and understand that, regardless of where you happen to be in life and in your career, flexibility will help you achieve your goals while balancing your work and personal commitments.”

Lowsely also noted several initiatives that support inclusion at The Hanover. For example, business resource groups (BRGs), “bring to life the diverse cultures and traditions represented amongst our employees, providing insights to help us increase cultural competency across the enterprise,” Lowsley said.

The company also created a Cultural Appreciation Day and encourages team members to take this time off to celebrate and observe cultural holidays that are important to them individually.

“We also have all new hires complete unconscious bias training as they begin their Hanover career,” shares Lowsley, noting the critical importance of making inclusion a priority from the beginning.

Sustaining an inclusive culture at The Hanover

Wondering how team members at The Hanover benefit from the company’s emphasis on an inclusive culture and their CARE values? “Through our employee engagement survey, we learned that 91% of employees expressed that they can be themselves at work,” said Lowsley. “We will continue our work to help ensure that we offer the kind of work environment where we can all experience a sense of belonging.”

Lowsley noted the importance of sustaining inclusion with ongoing efforts to raise awareness, increase their cultural competency, and break down barriers to unlock the full potential of their team members. 

And, for other HR leaders or organizations who are looking to grow a more inclusive culture, Lowsley shares this advice: 

“Creating and sustaining a culture that drives your business forward is a strategic imperative. Ensuring that all employees feel a sense of belonging drives engagement, which drives business results. Look for ways to help leaders recognize the value of a culture that embraces and sustains people.”

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