Employers Weigh In on Creating an Inclusive Workforce
Business giants Airbnb, Genentech, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, and Salesforce joined the Bay Area Council on Monday (Oct. 15) at Airbnb to discuss their workforce growth and projected needs in 2019. In a panel discussion moderated by Workforce Committee Co-Chair Julius Robinson (Union Bank), participants Beth Axelrod (Airbnb), Bob Nibbi (Nibbi Brothers General Contractors), Ann Weeby (Salesforce Foundation) and Connie White (Genentech) shared details of their challenges and unique actions for creating an inclusive productive workforce.
Panelists underscored the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace and retaining diverse talent across economic cycles. Building mentoring programs for career-ready interns provided a strong example of how to better retain young talent. These programs build an intimate understanding of company culture while providing pathways to leadership as interns grow into their roles.
The final Workforce of the Future Committee meeting of the year highlighted the committee’s accomplishments in 2018, including impacting over 12,000 students and job seekers in the region, growing stronger bridges between local diverse talent and Bay Area Council employers. As the Workforce of the Future Committee looks forward towards 2019, it will continue to strengthen talent pipelines while building a more inclusive and representative workforce. To engage in the Council’s Workforce of the Future initiative, please contact Senior Vice President Linda Bidrossian.
