REPORT
Diversity Week 2019
"Getting Closer to People -having multiple dialogues, shaping thoughts-"
In September, Sony celebrated Diversity Week at Sony offices across the globe. Events included seminars, workshops, fairs and other experiences to promote diversity and inclusion, as well as new and innovative working styles Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO, Sony Corporation, shared his message to all Sony group employees for Sony Diversity Week 2019: "In January this year, we introduced Sony's Purpose and Values, defining our raison d'etre and the core values that are important for us to embrace across the Sony Group, and diversity is one of these values… I have advocated that "Diversity & Inclusion" is the source of new value creation. Having an open dialogue between people with differing opinions and viewpoints, and fostering an environment that welcomes such exchange is critical in creating new value. As with previous years, I hope this provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of diversity, to exchange ideas, and to put forward proposals for making Sony an even better company for the future."
Sony Offices, Japan
In Japan, Sony Group companies held various events and workshops using the theme of "Getting Closer to People". The opening event was, a lecture by Ms. Sally Helgesen, an expert on female leadership theory in addition, we invited Robert Campbell who about a place where everyone can work with secure and safely. Workshops with people with disabilities, deepen understanding of "diversity", as the source of Sony's value. Through the diversity week, more than 2,800 employees in Japan participated in various events to deepen their understanding of the value of diversity in the workplace and the importance of diverse work styles.
Sony Offices, USA
Sony North America San Diego
Sony North America observed Global Diversity Week during the month of September with a range of activities and experiences to "Getting Closer to People." Sony North America cooperated with Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. in San Diego for a Diversity Fair - Better Together that highlighted both organizations Employee Resource Groups (ERG), Sony's diverse businesses also hosted a scavenger hunt to educate employees about different groups, their technologies and products.
In addition SNA provided educational experiences to include Japanese Cultural Training. Because Hispanic Heritage Month coincided with Sony's Global Diversity Celebrations, the SNA Employee REsource Group ChiSPA offered a salsa making class and Café Latino - an opportunity for Spanish speakers, and those just learning, to converse.
As true diversity requires inclusion. SNA ERG Equality Alliance sponsored a lunch and learn, becoming an Ally the LGBTQ Community.
Sony Corporation of America (SCA)/Sony Music Entertainment (SME) NYC
In September, Sony group companies in New York celebrated and recognized Global Diversity and Inclusion at Sony, in several different ways. SCA kicked off Diversity Month with a message from Mark Khalil EVP, reiterating inclusion of Diversity as one of our company "Values" as well as highlighting "The Significance of Diversity and Inclusion" piece, which provided informative and inspiring messages of employees from all US Sony companies as to what Diversity means to them and the significance in our workforce.
SME, in coordination with Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Sony/ATV), hosted a conversation with Jon Platt (Chairman and CEO, Sony/ATV) to discuss how networking, mentorship and advocacy have shaped his own career and that of his mentor, Clarence Avant, as depicted in the Documentary "The Black Godfather: The Clarence Avant Story". Facilitated by Hannah Karp, Editorial Director for Billboard, the conversation engaged employees of Sony Music group at 25 Madison Ave and was livestreamed to employees on the Sony Lot in Culver City and at the Nashville Public Library. It was very well received and over 400 employees attended.
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment celebrated Diversity Week on September 9-13 with inspiring events and activities across campuses, all designed to showcase the diversity of workforce and promote its new theme "Getting Closer to People." At San Mateo campus, participants learned about the unique backgrounds and experiences of employees panel and how they can be an ally for underrepresented groups. Employees also gathered for a campus lunch featuring cuisine from around the world, performances from local cultural organizations, and ERGs sharing how to get involve with their initiatives. To give back to local communities, ERGs teamed up with PlayStation Cares to organize both on-site and off campus opportunities to volunteer with non-profit organizations that support diverse communities.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (USA・Europe・South America )
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) celebrated Global Diversity Week with a variety of events across several regions, including, for the first time, Latin America.
The several initiatives around the world included:
EBRG FAIRS
Over 600 employees attended the two EBRG (Employee Business Resource Group) Fairs branded "DiverseFest" held at the Sony Pictures Animation campus and the Sony Pictures studio lot in Culver City. The purpose of the fairs was to help employees learn more about the different EBRGs at SPE and how they fit into the studio's overall diversity & inclusion strategy. The fairs were a tremendous success, with many signing up for membership in one or more groups.
THE INAUGURAL UK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
SPE proudly kicked off the first American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Global Film Series: LONDON as a founding sponsor with the premier screening of Screen Gems' "Black and Blue" which was attended by the filmmakers. The mission of event series was to promote the universal appeal of films by and about people of color. SPE UK recognised Sony Diversity Week with a program aligned with the global diversity strategy's three pillars of leadership, talent and everyday inclusion, supporting our aim to embed inclusion into all our processes and policies. The week started with the launch of our new employee business resource group, which aims to champion the voices, interests and experiences of ethnic minority employees.
SPE LAUNCHES A NEW EBRG DURING DIVERSITY WEEK
DESI (a person of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi birth or descent who lives abroad) is our newest EBRG and kicked off Diversity Week by inviting all SPE employees to learn about South Asian culture with authentic food, dance, and art.
THE 6TH DIVERSE DIRECTORS KICK OFF RECEPTION
The Diverse Directors Program brings fresh, authentic voices to the studio to connect with creative executives, learn from existing directors and shadow on Sony Pictures Television scripted series with the ultimate goal of directing content for Sony Pictures Television and SPE. On September 19, SPE celebrated the newest class of finalists for the Diverse Directors Program with a kick-off reception on the studio lot. This new class joins a long list of distinguished alumni, including an Oscar winner and multiple Emmy nominees.
DIVERSE SUPPLIER EVENTS
In an effort to increase the number of women and minority owned post production businesses in SPE's supply chain, the studio hosted two networking events - one on the main lot and the other at our UK office. In total, more than 10 new women and diversity-owned post production businesses were introduced to SPE and are now being considered for future projects.
SPE LATIN AMERICA
"We Value Our Differences" activities featuring local dishes, music and art, and discussion circles about effective communication and collaboration.
L’ATTITUDE CONFERENCE
SPE Chairman & CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, sat down for a fireside chat this month at one of the largest Latinx conferences to discuss leading a media company in the 21st century. Tony emphasized that our content featuring Latinx talent is not just for Latinx audiences, but for mainstream audiences around the world.
Sony Offices, Latin America
The Sony Latin America (SOLA) Diversity Council, celebrated SOLA's diverse background and commitment to inclusion. This year, the council decided to assign its entire Diversity Celebration budget, to Relief for The Bahamas Fund, a SOLA fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Dorian. Employees brought their own snacks, and all prizes where in the form of donations to the fund on behalf of the winners.
Sony Offices, Asia Pacific
Celebrating Diversity Week this month in the workplace, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific called to harness the diversity of employees, inviting them to join in a photography shoot. The reason for doing this was to capture the dynamics of diversity in the workplace, showcasing the printed photos of every employee.
