Rentokil NA Invests In, Expands Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Program

READING, Pa.- Over the course of the last year, Rentokil North America has invested in and developed an ongoing Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) program for its nearly 12,000+ -colleague organization. By partnering with the NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI), a pioneer in corporate diversity. Rentokil is working to create lasting behavioral change through neuroscience and industry research.

“DE&I has always been important to our organization; however, the events over the last year encouraged us to expedite a more comprehensive and deliberate program throughout the company,” said Mike St. Clair, DE&I executive sponsor and senior vice president of sales and marketing for Rentokil. “We want to build an organization where everyone can reach the highest level based on merit, whatever their gender, race, color, nationality, age, sexual orientation, physical ability or background.” 

The reach that vision, Rentokil is following the science from NLI and basing its program on:

• Diversity: Recognizing, encouraging and supporting the differences between people and groups of people and placing a positive value on those differences.
• Equality: Ensuring everybody has equal access to opportunities and resources and are able to make full use of the opportunities to fulfill their potential.
• Inclusion: Ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.
  

“We’re not just doing this to check a box,” said St. Clair. “This is a huge cultural enhancement for us and something we want to become part of every conversation, so much so that we have a roadmap through 2024 to build out the DE&I throughout every aspect of our organization.”

The organization formed a DE&I committee to set the foundation of the program, conducted conversations with the executive leadership team and senior leaders and hosted several introduction webinars for the organization. Many of the top leaders participated in a four-week program to introduce inclusive leadership concepts and new habit-forming practices supported by brain science to help create a more inclusive environment. Next, there will be listening sessions throughout the company to gain a better understanding of the concerns and experiences of colleagues at every level of the organization. The program will continue throughout 2023.

“It was critical that we align our business goals with a focus on DE&I,” said Anthony Brown, senior vice president of human resources for Rentokil. “In order to foster a culture that attracts and retains talent, we must be intentional and thoughtful about our work environment. Not only do we strive to represent the customers we serve, we also strive to ensure every Rentokil colleague is seen as an important part of the work we do. Our DE&I program is central to these values.”

As part of DE&I, Rentokil will host two programs: INCLUDE and DECIDE.

INCLUDE, a four-week program, identifies five factors that help leaders create more inclusive work environments. DECIDE, a separate four-week program, helps leaders mitigate unconscious bias and create value for the organization. According to the company, the programs are focused on creating lasting behavior change using science and practical mitigation strategies, working with NLI's trainings. Rentokil said its goal is to have all 900 company managers complete both programs by September 2022.

***Article updated Tuesday, February 2, 2022 at 11:45 a.m. with the following correction***

A previous version of this article erroneously stated Rentokil partnered with the National Leadership Institute. The company Rentokil partnered with was the NeuroLeadership Institute.