Our commitment goes beyond diversity.
Research shows that truly diverse teams outperform their non-diverse counterparts both financially and in decision-making efficiency. While these are some of the many benefits of diverse teams, they are not the reason we promote diversity and inclusion at Sonoco. We believe people build businesses by doing the right thing. Creating a diverse workforce within an inclusive environment is the right thing to do.
And though having a diverse workforce is important, it's not enough. See how we’re strategically fighting against unconscious bias and working to establish practices that make individuals from diverse backgrounds feel accepted, welcomed and fairly treated.
Perspective makes us stronger.
We proudly welcome unique perspectives at Sonoco, and we believe that our people should be as diverse as our customers. We speak 18 languages, and our people-first philosophy remains the same. We only seek suppliers who share our beliefs and invest 10% of every dollar in diversity initiatives. People love working here because their ideas are heard and encouraged, regardless of background or level.
We have established the Diversity & Inclusion Council because of our drive to do the right thing and build a work environment that makes diverse people—in all meanings of the word—know they are respected and included.
Sonoco Diversity & Inclusion Council
The council’s mission is to create a diverse workforce within an inclusive environment by sponsoring and guiding the activities of the Resource Groups (RGs) below and fostering diversity & inclusion education, awareness and communication throughout Sonoco globally.
Sonoco Young Professionals gives young professionals the ability to be recognized throughout the organization as developing future leaders, functioning as a community that strongly influences recruitment/retention, and maintaining an environment where members feel that the organization helps them be the best version of themselves.
Women @ Sonoco cultivates an inclusive environment that supports and encourages women to advance their skills and leadership potential through connection, mentorship, collaboration and discussion.
LGBT+ supports the LGBTQA+ community by helping to create a safe workplace, free of harassment or prejudice so our employees feel they can bring their whole self to work. The LGBT+ RG works to foster an environment that builds respect for all Sonoco employees while valuing individual perspectives.
Military Professionals seeks to promote and grow the military veteran network within Sonoco and to support the recruiting and retention efforts of veterans throughout the organization.
Sonoco Cares creates a caring, safe, and fulfilling work environment serving through teamwork and genuine interest for the people of our communities to build a better life for all.
Black Employees @ Sonoco supports Black employees at all levels through events, networking and education. We foster an environment that builds respect for all Sonoco employees while valuing the uniqueness of the diverse Black employee cultural perspectives that contribute to business success.
Sustainability Hub Shoot
Sustainability Hub Shoot
Sustainability Hub Shoot
A comfortable, safe workplace where you're free to be yourself.
We view diversity & inclusion as the responsibility of the whole company, not just HR. We want to foster teams of high performers who feel included and secure enough at work to share the next solution to a problem, and who have every opportunity to use their talent, skills, passion and creativity to grow themselves, their careers and our Company.
-
Sonoco was proud to host its first Week of Understanding in 2021. Our Resource Groups facilitated events using educational materials created by CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion (of which Sonoco is member). More than 1,400 employees participated in the events which were designed to foster personal growth and conversations centered on diversity and inclusion.
-
In 2020 Sonoco’s D&I Council added the Black Employees@Sonoco RG. During the year, this group conducted educational programs during Black History month and Juneteenth as well as sponsoring a week of community service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.
-
Sonoco’s LGBT+ RG celebrated Pride Month in June. A series of events focused on the importance of Pride Month, allyship and creating a safe space where everyone can bring their best selves to work.
Collaborative, Continual Learning
Under the guidance of the Diversity & Inclusion Council, our Resource Groups (RGs) create intentional programming to foster education, awareness and communication throughout Sonoco’s workforce.