Philip Morris International (PMI) understands that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do—it is crucial to attract and retain a diverse community of innovators who can support its transformation.
With employees representing 133 nationalities and four generations across the 90-plus markets, PMI is a microcosm of global diversity. A core part of its culture and values, the PMI DNA encapsulates the company at its best. But PMI’s vision goes beyond just representation—it aims to unlock the true power of diversity by making everyone feel welcome, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.
Driving intentional inclusion
Earlier this year, the company brought to life its commitment to intentional inclusion with the launch of “Inclusion Starts with I,” an employee engagement campaign to make inclusion tangible, actionable, and practiced with intent across its workforce. As part of this campaign, PMI introduced several initiatives:
- A global kickoff webinar to celebrate the launch of “Inclusion Starts with I” and deep dive into the meaning of intentional inclusion.
- An employee resource group (ERG) panel with representatives from PMI’s six global ERGs. Employees asked questions to learn how they can help foster an inclusive environment.
- Leaders Café Series: Conversations conducted throughout the year that bring together senior leaders and employees to discuss inclusive leadership, and share perspectives, learnings, and best practices.
- Inclusion Starts with I Toolkit: A practical roadmap on small acts of intentional inclusion for employees to practice in their daily interactions.
- Undesirable behaviours — such as harshness, speaking over others, or pushing for results at all costs, just to name a few—that were identified to better align intent and impact.
- The Cultural Day, which closed out the monthlong “Inclusion Starts with I” campaign and celebrated the rich diversity of PMI’s workforce.
PMI also has formal DEI training on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural awareness along with its global ERGs that foster ongoing dialogue on how to build a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace. The company’s recruiting practices and leadership role modeling ensure that DEI principles are embedded at every touchpoint. Additionally, their performance management system reinforces the desired behaviors and values by focusing not only on the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ of achieving results.
Measuring and evolving workplace inclusivity
In 2024, PMI introduced a comprehensive Inclusion Index, which explores questions relating to respect, psychological safety, and inclusion advocacy. The spring Pulse Survey showed promising results, with scores above 85% for all questions. As part of its commitment to transparency, PMI also publishes its ambitions, approach, and results related to DEI in its annual Integrated Report. This transparency ensures that the company remains accountable and continually strives to enhance its diverse and inclusive culture.
In essence, PMI’s DEI efforts are like hosting an ongoing Inclusion Festival — a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and belonging, reflecting on both its triumphs and opportunities. It’s a festival where every voice matters, every story is heard, and every individual is empowered to contribute to the company’s success.
Photo: Mimi Kurniawan, Chief Diversity Officer, PMI, celebrating cultural diversity with colleagues.
