Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are an important part of who we are as a company and broadly outlines the comprehensive efforts we are taking to create a more inclusive workplace. DE&I is focused on people, processes, policies, and products. At Maximus, we foster a culture that respects and values individual contributions and differences that spark innovation, leadership, and exceptional performance. Encouraging DE&I is a personal and business imperative.
Our ongoing efforts
Central to our mission
Our mission of Helping Government Serve the People® has guided our business for decades. We are entrusted to assist some of the most vulnerable citizens in America each day, and in doing so, to treat each and every person we serve – and each other – with dignity and respect. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our company identity, and we are proud to contribute to and positively impact our communities.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership
Our Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is part of our Human Resources Leadership Team and is responsible for implementing an inclusive strategy that will include active listening from leadership and welcome feedback from all employees.
Year Up partnership
Maximus partners with Year Up to help close the opportunity divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to successfully launch careers. Year Up helps Maximus access a diverse pool of candidates who are otherwise not reached with traditional recruitment channels, and tap into a pipeline of bright, skilled talent who provide fresh perspectives and ideas.
Posse Foundation veterans programming
In coordination with the Posse Foundation, Maximus participated in a summer program to provide professional development support to all U.S. veterans who will be entering college in the fall at the Posse Foundation veterans program-designated schools. The program includes tutorials on writing resumes and LinkedIn profiles, a workshop on how to undergo a behavioral interview, and an introduction to career readiness competencies.
Inclusive recruitment
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team works to increase inclusion awareness and education efforts, support employees, and promote inclusive recruitment efforts.
For instance, Maximus held a series of interview days specific to the veteran and disability communities. Through partnerships with Vocational Rehabilitation offices around the U.S., we have empowered their counselors to submit individuals with disabilities and veteran candidates directly into our interview pipeline. The pilot scaled to more than 30 engagement centers in 2019.
Since January 2018, the Maximus DiversABILITY Team created and delivered disability and veteran awareness training to more than 500 stakeholders and hiring managers across more than 31 of our largest citizen engagement centers in the U.S.
What does DE&I mean at Maximus?
Just as we are all different, so is the way we communicate. It’s why having common language matters.
Diversity
Diversity is the representation of the spectrum of our identities and differences (race, ethnicity, national origin, culture, tribe, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic and social status, thinking, experiences, and communication styles, etc.).
Equity
Equity is the fair treatment for all people in terms of access to resources, opportunities, information, and advancement, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate historic and contemporary barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Striving for equity involves intentionally increasing justice and fairness within the policies, practices, and procedures of institutions and systems, as well as in their distribution of resources and authority. Equity is good for everyone. Approaches designed for more equitable access of one group ends up improving access for all groups.
Inclusion
Inclusion creates a culture of belonging that genuinely invites the full participation and contribution of everyone across differences. It focuses on bringing traditionally excluded individuals and groups into all spaces, activities, processes, and decision-making in ways that ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
Why does DE&I matter at Maximus?
Diversity
Diversity matters because it allows us to learn and grow from others. It provides us the opportunity to understand topics and problem solve from other perspectives and fosters personal growth and development. It gives us the confidence to come together as our authentic selves and improves collaboration and innovation in our workplace. The bottom line is this: it helps us to do our jobs better and strengthens connections with the people we serve while working in an environment where we feel appreciated and valued. Nurturing diversity in our company as a core value is critical in securing us as a profitable organization that employs thousands of people who provide services to millions across the world.
Equity
Equity matters because being intentional about providing the supports that some people need, particularly those historically disadvantaged, ends up helping everyone. This fosters an environment where everyone benefits and can excel together.
Inclusion
Inclusion matters because it fosters a strong and welcoming work environment. Inclusion promotes innovation, attracts and retains more talent, and creates more opportunities for business growth. Inclusion allows individuals to feel a sense of belonging, as well as the commitment and support from their colleagues and the organization. Inclusion makes people feel valued which makes them feel good about coming to work and doing their best.