Focusing on inclusion leverages our core values and collective strengths, creating a thriving and successful work environment.
Our focus on inclusion is a dedicated and continuous effort, creating unique value for our customers, employees, business partners, and the community. Embracing inclusion enhances our ability to achieve our mission, enabling customers’ peace of mind, and financial stability.
Our belief and commitment
Modeling the values and beliefs that lead to a more inclusive community is not only the right thing to do, but it is the right thing to do for our business. This commitment to eliminate barriers and provide fair treatment extends across the organization. It applies to all of us regardless of where we come from, what we look like, or who we love. Embracing inclusion is a critical element of achieving the Bank’s mission and vision. It is an important component of celebrating our long-term success.
We all have a role to play to advance the Bank’s efforts to fulfill this commitment. This obligation requires us to share experiences, be empathetic, ask questions, listen intently to the answers, and be open to new perspectives. We need the courage to speak out in a respectful way and consistently appreciate the contributions each team member brings to Westfield Bank.
Our pledge
We expect our leaders and our employees to pledge their support and fully embrace the Bank’s commitment to create an inclusive culture, and further, to consistently model the values and behaviors that promote greater inclusion. We expect our leaders to reflect the commitment in business initiatives, and to provide mentoring, coaching, and development in order to drive the recruitment, retention, and advancement of all employees.
Employee council
We formed an employee council to support the organization’s strategic goals and core value of inclusivity, with support from the executive leadership team. The council is made up of a cross-section of employees and business units who serve as ambassadors across the organization. The council works to move Westfield Bank forward on the following goals:
- Investing in knowledge and awareness to open our hearts and minds
- Promoting a culture that embraces the uniqueness of each person
- Enhancing our recruiting process to improve equitable hiring, retention, and promotional practices.
We believe our inclusivity work is iterative and as such, the goals and strategy will continue to evolve. By engaging a broad group of employees, we believe it will help connect our inclusivity efforts to the broader business-driven growth strategies of the organization as a whole.
