Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)
DiversityJobs.com Top Diversity Employer
SIRVA Is pleased to announce that we have been named a Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com. This award was given to a select group of employers that have shown consistent dedication to recruiting and hiring from all diversity groups.
Useful Resources
SIRVA’s Commitment/Mission Statement
At SIRVA, we’re committed to cultivating a workplace and an ecosystem that reflects the diversity of the global organisations that we serve. We recognise that building an inclusive, engaged company culture results in empowered employees that reflect a wide range of approaches and perspectives. Those perspectives lead to new ideas. New ideas lead to innovation and excellence. Our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion is driven by a commitment to these values and a belief that diversity makes our company stronger.
Ricky Aow
Sales & Account Management Business Analyst (Victoria, Australia)
This industry attracts passionate, down-to-earth people from diverse backgrounds, many of which who have been in the industry for 10, 20, 30+ years. I have a marvellous manager, who regularly takes time to update me, I enjoy the flexibility and challenges of the work. The business leaders are personally invested, dedicated, and bring energy and commitment to the team. Recently I was chuffed when a leader from a different business unit nominated me for a STAR award. The thing I treasure the most is the friendships I have made at SIRVA; friendships and memories that I will cherish
SIRVA's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
ERGs are employee-led, self-directed voluntary groups that offer opportunities to network internally, to attract a diverse employee base, to provide the inclusion of ideas and solutions, and to create opportunities for mentoring and career development.
SIRVA is proud to announce the formation of our first two Employee Resource Groups!
DEN –The Diverse Employee Network (People of Colour)
Mission: SIRVA People of Colour Employee Resource Group (ERG) is open to all employees. The ERG aims to advance a diverse and inclusive work environment with a particular focus on people of colour. Working with a dedicated network of diverse professionals, the ERG undertakes activities to attract, retain, empower and inspire employees of colour. These efforts are geared toward helping members gain leadership experience, get involved in the SIRVA community and develop new ideas to help drive SIRVA forward.
SOL – SIRVA Out Loud (LGBTQ+)
Mission: Our mission is to create a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ SIRVA team members and their allies to thrive and be celebrated, so that we can provide advocacy for equity and an inclusive experience in all settings.
Recruiting & Outreach
- Internships
- Recruiting
- Partnerships
- Corporate Presence
Organisational Development
- Engagement
- Performance
- Promotions
- Pay Equity
Mentorship
- Career Development
- Interest Groups
Education & Training
- New Hire Onboarding
- Inclusiveness
- Standards & Training
Harriet Kwawukume
Client Finance Team Lead (Prague, Czech Republic)
“Being part of the SIRVA family has been a marvellous experience in my career growth. Having joined the finance team and getting to encounter the diverse multicultural environment has been great. SIRVA helped me to develop as an Analyst by investing in my skills and potential and bringing out the best in me and I’m currently leading one of the teams in finance. I foresee an empowering future here and I look forward to it!”
Mobilising Diversity: Customer Stories
Building and Leading Equitable and Inclusive Talent Management
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is ever-evolving. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. In this three-part series, you will hear from three of our clients (Kia Engines, Ardent Mills and HPE). Our clients all have expertise in mobility and are helping change the landscape for DE&I efforts; they will share their stories as an effort to help other organisations learn from peers on how DE&I intersects with mobility and talent management.
Expanded Network Addresses a Rapidly Closing Immigration Window
Every relocation is unique, requiring close attention to all details to ensure our clients’ satisfaction, a positive experience for their employees, and our mutual success. Some, however, stand out as particularly challenging. During these situations, our employees take great pride in providing innovative, caring and customised solutions. The following is one of those stories.
Expanded Network Addresses a Rapidly Closing Immigration Window
When Nicolai was asked to relocate to China, he thought all of his documentation was in order. As required by the Shanghai Pudong New Area Overseas Talent Bureau, he had submitted his German medical reports to the Beijing Medical Centre via Deutsch post for verification, since they would need to be processed before his work and residence permit applications could be filed. Timing was tight, but the sequence of necessary applications appeared to be running on schedule. That is, until it was discovered that the German executive’s paperwork never made it to its destination. Unfamiliar with China’s address protocol, Nicolai had inadvertently omitted an important address detail on the package. The simple oversight threatened to cause delays – delays that might stonewall his immigration altogether. Nicolai had been charged with specific goals and milestones to accomplish upon his relocation; delays would set him back by months, something his global company just couldn’t afford.
As soon as they heard the news, SIRVA employees, Sophia Hu and Sue Ding (Immigration Manager and Specialist, respectfully), knew they needed to act quickly. Utilising their knowledge of the immigration process and their contacts within the vast immigration system, they began a targeted effort to get Nicolai’s immigration application back on track.
First, they reached out to their established contacts at both the German medical centre and Beijing Medical Centre to coordinate the expedited delivery and approval of a second set of medical records. Representatives at each location agreed to make Nicolai a priority. While German administrators worked quickly, gathering and resending a new set of official medical records (complete with signatures and the medical unit’s seal) contacts in Beijing stood by, ready to expedite approvals. Simultaneously, Sophia and Sue began preparing any paperwork related to Nicolai’s work and residence permits that they could ahead of time, obtaining signatures and company stamps, and holding them until the moment Nicolai’s medical papers were approved.
Thanks to many years of experience within the relocation industry, knowledge of immigration processes that vary from country to country, and their positive relationships with a vast network of industry professionals, Sophia and Sue were able to expedite Nicolai’s immigration approval process, completing a task that normally takes 1 ½ months in just one week. As a result, Nicolai began his assignment on time and his employer’s goals for growth were met, as planned and on schedule.
The Faces Behind the Story:
Sophia Hu, Immigration Manager, SIRVA
Sophia Hu joined SIRVA Worldwide Relocation and Moving in 2015. With over 14 years of experience within the relocation industry, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise, but also a deep understanding of clients and their employees’ needs. As Immigration Manager of SIRVA’s Immigration Division, she is responsible for all immigration applications and relevant activities for China Destination Service delivery, with specific a specific focus on Shanghai.
Sophia holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Dong Hua University and has obtained a Global Mobility Specialist Certificate from Worldwide ERC. When she’s not busy helping employees relocate she enjoys playing the piano, painting and dancing to every kind of music imaginable, from jazz and hip hop to swag and urban.
Sue Ding, Immigration Specialist, SIRVA
As an Immigration Specialist for SIRVA Relocation Asia Pacific, Sue acts on the behalf of clients, processing visa/work permits for relocating employees and their families quickly, accurately, and with care and attention. She is dedicated to identifying and implementing process improvements within the internal and external client
infrastructure.
Sue holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing. When she’s home, she enjoys reading great historical or suspense novels. When she can get away, she makes it a point to travel. So far, her favourite places include New York in the United States and Yangzhou in China, but she dreams of travelling to South Africa in the future.