Diverse and Talented

Johnson Controls is a leader in advancing supplier diversity and is on a path to leadership in workforce diversity

For some companies, workforce diversity is more of a phrase than a true goal.
But at Johnson Controls, diversity is key to the company’s leadership in automotive seating and interiors, sustainable buildings, and original equipment and replacement batteries for cars, including lithium ion batteries for hybrids.
With service, production and other facilities located in more than 100 countries around the world, Johnson Controls is constantly coming face to face with the nuances and requirements of a genuine global economy.
Put another way, Johnson Controls must provide customers with products and services that reflect the preferences of a diverse global marketplace. This requires a workforce that mirrors the customer base.
“Diversity and inclusion at the workplace ensure that we understand and can meet the requirements of our diverse global customer base,” says Cassandra Alston, executive director of Global Workforce Diversity.

Active Recruitment
A broadly diversified workforce doesn’t automatically show up at the front door asking for a job application. Achieving diversity requires a proactive effort to attract, develop and train the best talent in the world.
To meet company objectives, Johnson Controls expects to grow from today’s workforce of 140,000 to about 200,000 by 2016. With the makeup of that workforce undergoing significant change, traditional recruitment strategies will need to be supplemented to get the job done.
“The demographics are shifting—not only is the workforce aging, but people of color and women are entering the workforce at record rates. Emerging markets are also key,” Alston says. “Our traditional methods for sourcing new hires will have to be enhanced.”
And she notes that the challenge is bigger than recruiting and hiring a diverse, talented workforce.
“Bringing this varied talent together requires a culture that promotes excellent performance, teamwork, inclusion, leadership and growth,” Alston says. We continue to focus on providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices.”
Affinity groups within the organization are designed to create a shared community that helps with retention and supports employee development.
“By valuing diversity, all our employees can fully realize their potential,” Alston says.
The end product is increased innovation, engagement and ingenuity, and the ability to exceed the needs of a customer base across the world.