SCE: A Model of Diversity in the Utility Industry

by Alex A. Kecskes

The utility industry, like many industries throughout the U.S., faces a number of challenges and responsibilities in embracing diversity in its workforce. Some companies have taken the lead and adopted a variety of measures to promote inclusion. One such company is Southern California Edison (SCE).

SCE provides a work environment that promotes and values the rich cultures and backgrounds of all its employees. For starters, all new employees are asked to attend diversity training within their first six months on the job. The training provides employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster an inclusive environment.

In 1976, a group of SCE women formed the Edison Roundtable, Edison’s first affinity group designed to help Edison women in their professional and personal growth. Today, SCE has 12 employee-initiated affinity groups that promote networking opportunities and cultural awareness within the company. SCE routinely collaborates with organizations that support diversity recruitment, including the Society of Women Engineers and the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation.

For its efforts in promoting diversity, Hispanic Business magazine ranked SCE as the number one company in the U.S. on its annual Diversity Elite 60 list of companies that make diversity part of their corporate culture. LATINA Style magazine ranked SCE number five of the 50 Best U.S. Companies for Latinas. SCE's web site is available in five languages—including English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese to reflect their customers’ ethnicity and cultural preferences. Its call centers offer customers seven in-language options and have translation services available for more than 150 other languages.

For an added perspective, check out this SCE video:

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