3 minute read
Harley-Davidson: A Cultural Phenomenon Ignited by Creativity and Innovation
Q&A with Tori Termaat, Chief Human Resources Officer at Harley-Davidson
BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Since its founding in 1903 in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson’s creativity and forward-thinking have ignited a cultural phenomenon that has spanned across time and geography. Their passion for motorcycles and the lifestyle they represent has made Harley-Davidson the most sought-after brand in the world.
When the YCEA created the Welcoming Workplaces initiative, Harley-Davidson was one of its inaugural members. Looking back since its launch, we had a chance to connect with them and see how they have been implementing this effort locally.
Q: How has Welcoming Workplaces impacted Harley-Davidson as an employer in York County?
Welcoming Workplaces has allowed us to share all the great work that we have been doing with the community. It allows us an opportunity to show how we, as an organization, have made Inclusive Stakeholder Management a part of our strategy. The resources provided on the website and through community meetings allow for all of our organizations to learn from each other. These discussions are what we need to make this town a better place. We are all invested in the success of this community.
Q: What initiatives/efforts has Harley-Davidson implemented since becoming a Welcoming Workplace?
At Harley-Davidson, we believe in creating and sustaining an engaging, diverse, and inclusive workplace where every employee gets to bring their whole self to work. We launched our version of affinity groups and networks, called Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), in 2013. We wanted these groups to be connected to the business while also being a resource for employees.
The ERGs are engaged in activities that tie to our HarleyDavidson Foundation and benefit our communities, they help support business initiatives aligned with our strategy and take part in culture and career-building events that inspire growth and development for their members. In 2021, we increased the number of women and underrepresented talent and had a similar goal for 2022.
We’re also prioritizing progressive and sustainable work environments, policies, and practices. We’re committed to employee health and safety and have achieved and sustained a best-in-class OSHA Recordable Rate that is over 80% lower than the average for our industry as part of that commitment.
We continue to rethink what we do to attract talent, the processes that get in the way, and how to creatively engage candidates and the community where we work and live.
Q: Why should other industries and companies sign up to join the Welcoming Workplaces’ Designation?
We have the power and responsibility to create a culture where hate and discrimination have no place, and where employees feel included, accepted, and safe. Every action we take—big and small, individual or as a company—helps make a positive impact. Often companies do not know where to begin or where to find the resources and support. Welcoming Workplaces is here to provide the support that you will need in York. We are in this together.
