Oda first launched a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion program at the tail end of 2021 and this means that we are really just getting started. Our approach with the ‘Call to Action’ is rooted in 4 areas: Better data, Employee Resource Groups, DEI Training and Cross-Functional infusion of Diversity and Inclusion into the DNA of Oda. That said, we realize that we have blind spots to consider.

Where we know we can improve

One of the first areas where Oda see the potential to do more is with our gender balance. Oda is a male dominated company with 70:30% ratio for the whole company. The reach of diversity, equity and inclusion across the global company can still be improved and the trainings we launched in 2023 was intended to elevate the engagement of more employees than ever, through a bespoke ‘All-Inclusive’ training program. Lastly, whereas our cultural diversity is high with many nationalities, particularly from Eastern Europe, ethnicity and racial diversity ‘appears’ low. The majority group within Oda ‘appears’ to be homogenous and we need to ensure that we avoid a monocultural outlook in the decision making rubric going forward. The lack of reliable diversity data available makes it challenging to know where the true blind spots really are but we are working continuously to explore our options to collect more data without jeopardizing data privacy and security.

Future Efforts
The future requires an ongoing focus on the vision captured by the 4 Calls to Action. This encourages a communal sense of allyship, ownership and engagement from everyone in the company. We have conducted an extensive risk assessment to carry through going forward, enabling us to identify potential areas of discrimination risks and the measures for mitigating these. We recognize that there is no quick fix to solving our Diversity and Inclusion challenges and that this work comes with a sense of vulnerability to help us reflect on where we can be better. A commitment to improved data will give us greater insights to understanding our blind spots.

A clear focus going forward will be on talent development, ensuring that we develop, retain and engage diverse talent.

We have only just begun, but we are grateful for the progress that has been made so far and for the important foundations that have been cultivated. The road ahead is a journey and not a sprint, with the future plan rooted in aligning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with our Sustainability efforts and continuously pushing the agenda for making a difference to people and planet.