Customers and employees are increasingly demanding that organizations adopt socially responsible policies. But for the uninitiated, successfully applying new business practices can seem daunting. How can business aviation departments follow suit?
Our industry will gain success through continued education and by embracing sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).
"Socially responsible policies must now be part of the fabric of any industry, and business aviation is no exception," says Jennifer Pickerel, vice president of Aviation Personnel International and co-chair of NBAA's DE&I Working Group.
"Generation Z is more diverse than any previous generation, and they have a completely different philosophy on the relationship between employer and employee and consumer and provider," she explains. "Today, if a business aviation operation does not live its culture as described, it will certainly be less competitive, not only with customers, but even more so when it comes to attracting and retaining young talent."
For Pickerel, the first step in managing DE&I in a socially responsible way begins with awareness.
"This knowledge is not necessarily intrinsic in all of us," she asserts. "In fact, unconscious bias impacts everyone, so any operation that has an earnest interest in DE&I has to first educate itself on the true components and facets of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as its benefits. Thankfully, there are lots of resources available, and industry associations like NBAA are here to help. Just be open to learning, and seek resources that you trust."