Septodont receives the World Economic Forum 2024 New Champions Award in the area of Diversity
We’re excited to share that Septodont has been granted a Diversity Award at the get-together of the World Economic Forum’s New Champions Community held last week in Geneva, Switzerland.
The World Economic Forum’s New Champions Community is a global network comprising more than 90 high-growth mid-sized businesses from 45 countries that champion new business models to build resilience into their businesses, industries and communities and create meaningful societal impact.
The 2024 New Champions Awards celebrate the contributions of these companies, spotlighting their achievements in four key areas: Digital Innovation, Sustainability for Profits, Regenerative Business and Diversity as a Strategic Asset.
Aïcha GoudiabyChief Human Resources & Communications Officer
“ People with disabilities are underemployed and underrepresented in workforces. At Septodont, we’re committed to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their ability, feels valued and respected, and has an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of employment. The HR team was and continues to be at the forefront of advancing disability inclusion as a key pillar of our diversity efforts in France. But disability inclusion is a team effort and none of this would have been possible without the engagement of our managers and employees whose support and actions are helping us make a difference ”
Septodont Recognized in the Diversity as a Strategic Asset Category
Septodont was recognized by the World Economic Forum’s New Champions Community with an honorable mention for its efforts and actions in the field of disability inclusion.
People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world. Recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing workers with disabilities is good for the society and good for business. In France, companies are required to employ at least 6% of disabled workers. Five years ago, the company decided to accelerate disability inclusion efforts and to turn what was initially a legal obligation into a diversity opportunity to implement more inclusive practices and accelerate change on disability inclusion.
To address this key societal challenge, the group has developed a three-part strategy focused on:
- Supporting current employees with special needs - either disclosed or undisclosed.
- Advancing disability employment through attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified workers with disabilities.
- Expanding efforts to all French mid-sized companies and help them structure and advance their disability employment policies based on Septodont’s example, leveraging the many best practices we have implemented.
Since 2021, some of the most important actions implemented internally include a workplace audit with the strategic review of HR practices, focus groups and surveys to managers and employees, the implementation of a multiyear action plan, the organization of many awareness raising activities, as well as the creation of Septodont’s 1st “Mission Handicap”.
The outcome: Septodont today reaches 8,73% of disabled workers across all its locations in France.
Septodont’s approach to disability inclusion goes way beyond legal compliance. Throughout the process, the group also proactively engaged with the French government and shared its strategy and learnings with the Movement of Mid-Sized Companies to benefit the broader French business community through the release of a best practice guide, signed by the Secretary of State for Disability Workers.
January 10th, 2025
