Culture of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At VERTEX, we recognize the profound significance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We understand the multifaceted identities of our employees and the imperative of dismantling systemic inequities embedded within corporate cultures. Our commitment to fostering fairness, equity, diversity, and inclusivity is unwavering. As a vital component of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, we established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team in 2020. Comprising dedicated employees, this team is instrumental in driving initiatives that place diversity, respect, and inclusion at the heart of VERTEX’s business ethos.

OUR DEI JOURNEY

In 2020, VERTEX embarked on its DEI journey by assembling a team of employees passionate about shaping a more inclusive future. This team collaboratively devised strategies to embed diversity and inclusion within our corporate culture. To further fortify our efforts, we engaged Global View Communications (GVC), experts in developing diversity and inclusion strategies. An organization-wide assessment illuminated our strengths and areas for growth. Subsequently, we formulated a strategic plan designed to enhance our workplace culture while aligning our initiatives with our broader business objectives.

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENTS

Education plays a pivotal role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. To facilitate open dialogues and foster awareness, VERTEX initiated a series of company-wide discussions featuring five external speakers, each addressing different DEI-related topics.

In June 2021, we established the DEI council, a dynamic body responsible for evolving our DEI initiatives. The council continually refines its charter, which currently encompasses six key objectives:

Communicate DEI Commitment: Expand messaging platforms to reinforce our commitment.
Tailor Education and Training: Customize programs to meet specific employee needs and integrate them into daily practices.
Grow Understanding and Involvement: Enhance employees’ grasp of DEI and their active participation.
Policy Review: Ensure our policies foster open communication, equal pay, career advancement, and professionalism.
Diverse Hiring: Expand our workforce to include individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Industry Leadership: Aspire to become leaders in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our industry and communities.

EVERYDAY INCLUSION APP

In 2021, VERTEX introduced the Everyday Inclusion App by MoxieExchange, a valuable resource that provides inclusive tips, tools, and education to all employees. Grounded in the neuroscience of behavior change and designed for use by individuals, teams, leaders and the entire organization, Everyday Inclusion embeds belonging in the daily fabric of workplace culture.

FUTURE INITIATIVES

The DEI Council remains steadfast in its commitment to foster a more inclusive workplace. Planned actions include the sustained refinement and expansion of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the continuation of DEI-focused guest speaker programs, and an expanded partnership with educational institutions to promote careers aligned with VERTEX and our clients.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGS)

Our ERGs are voluntary organizations within VERTEX that aim to create a diverse, inclusive workspace and provide support for personal and career development. These groups offer a safe space where employees can bring their authentic selves to the table. Currently, we have the following ERGs:

Mental Health
Ethnicity, Race, and Multiculturalism
Women
Sustainability
LGBTQ+

MEET OUR TEAM

Our DEI team, comprised of passionate employees, leads the charge in ensuring that respect and equity are fundamental to our business culture. Together, we’re creating an environment where every voice is heard, and everyone is valued. Meet the individuals driving this fundamental change below.

DEI COUNCIL LEADERSHIP