DEI Initiatives at Ford Otosan

“Our mission is to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive”

At Ford Otosan, we believe that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a fundamental value but also a vital driver of success in today's competitive landscape. Our commitment to DEI allows us to cultivate a work environment where every employee feels valued and empowered, fostering a sense of belonging that is crucial for unlocking their full potential. By respecting differences and viewing diversity as a strength, we aim to enhance creativity and problem-solving within our teams. In this article, we will delve into our innovative DEI initiatives that not only influence our business practices but also extend to our social responsibility efforts. From empowering women through targeted development programs to promoting awareness of unconscious biases, Ford Otosan is dedicated to setting an example in the industry. 

Join us as we explore the various projects and strategies that reflect our mission to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

A Journey Towards Advancing DEI

At Ford Otosan, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not only essential for success in the business world but also fundamental values that maximize our employees' potential. We are committed to creating a work environment where every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging, differences are celebrated, and diversity is viewed as a powerful asset that drives innovation.

Fostering such an environment is a top priority. When employees feel respected and valued for their unique contributions, they engage more fully in their work and collaborate effectively. We aim to implement DEI practices that serve as a model for society, both within our business processes and through our social responsibility projects.

Our DEI strategy drives innovation, productivity, and employee satisfaction while supporting long-term sustainable growth. A diverse workforce enables the development of new solutions to challenges, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving. An inclusive workplace also boosts employee engagement, directly contributing to job efficiency and overall success.

Through our commitment to DEI, we strive to create a culture where every voice is heard and every contribution valued. We are eager to share some of the impactful projects we have implemented, showcasing our dedication to making Ford Otosan a leader in diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry and beyond.

Women Empowerment

To strengthen the roles of our female employees in the workplace, advance their careers, and help them overcome obstacles, we have launched the "Women's Development Journey" project. Developed in collaboration with 41 North Business School, this program enables women to write their unique stories and showcase their potential to the fullest.

The program began in 2023 with the participation of 75 female leaders and continued in 2024 with training for the fourth group. Training sessions will also proceed with new participants until the end of the year. Unleashing women's leadership potential is an integral part of Ford Otosan's mission for diversity and inclusion.

Unconscious Bias Seminars

To create an unbiased working environment at Ford Otosan, we launched the "Unconscious Bias" seminars in 2023, aiming to raise awareness. Unconscious biases can be obstructive elements that unknowingly influence our decisions and relationships. Therefore, through webinars conducted in three different sessions, we aimed to raise awareness among both our team members and leaders regarding the management of these biases. Our seminars help empower our employees to make more inclusive and equitable decisions, strengthening our workplace culture. In 2024, our seminar programs will continue, and we plan to reach a wider audience of participants.

Women Workshops

At Ford Otosan, we regularly organize women workshops to increase the number of female employees among both production and office staff and to help them overcome challenges. These workshops offer a multidisciplinary approach to the issues faced by our female employees, providing a safe and supportive platform. Led by our ethics coordinator, industry relations expert, and psychologist, these workshops not only address problems but also guide women to find effective solutions without feeling isolated.

This program empowers our female employees and promotes an inclusive culture within the company. Our workshops are conducted regularly at all Ford Otosan locations.

Reverse Mentoring

Our "Reverse Mentorship Program" promotes intergenerational experience sharing, ensuring every generation's voice is heard. Over five successful years, it has reduced age-based discrimination and allowed younger employees to provide feedback to leaders, fostering inclusive leadership.

Young employees observe and assess leaders' inclusive skills, while leaders listen to their perspectives, enhancing intergenerational communication.

DEI at Our Dealerships

We aim to promote Ford Otosan's diversity and inclusion policies not only within our company but also at our dealerships. To this end, we have organized seminars focused on increasing female employment in gender equality and STEM. Employment incentive programs supporting the development of female leaders at dealerships are also being successfully implemented.

Our "People and Culture Committee," composed of dealership representatives and Ford Otosan managers, is running various projects to increase female employment in STEM fields. In 2023, construction projects for changing rooms and nursing rooms for female technicians were initiated at two pilot dealerships.

DEI Among Our Suppliers

To enhance diversity and inclusion in our supply chain, we are implementing key awareness initiatives. Workshops on unconscious biases have been held with suppliers in collaboration with TAYSAD, and a conference under the FEYC project is planned for 2024. We are also organizing sustainability conferences to raise awareness and secure a sustainability manifesto. Our supplier portal features our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, promoting these values in our partnerships.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program. The content and ideas presented by the authors are their personal opinions and should not be considered the official policy or stance of TDX Consulting or the Workplace in Action® program.