Rolls-Royce is an engineering company focused on world-class power and propulsion systems. We operate in five businesses: Civil Aerospace, Defense Aerospace, Marine, Nuclear and Power Systems, and employ more than 5,000 people in North America.
An inclusive culture and diverse workforce is essential to achieving our business strategy. It’s also vital for the future of our company in creating a competitive advantage when attracting, retaining and developing the best, brightest and most diverse people around the world.
We think about diversity the way we think about innovation – they are both essential to the lifeblood of our business. We recognize that celebrating the different ways people think and do things make us more successful.
“Creating an inclusive work environment for all employees is a key priority within our organization. We are constantly looking for ways to enable all of our employees to be at their best,” said Michelle Pool, Cultural, Diversity and Inclusion Programs Manager for Rolls-Royce North America.
8 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and growing, at Rolls-Royce North America
“Our ERGs help us celebrate the diversity that powers Rolls-Royce and support our commitment to a culture that enables our employees to feel trusted, valued and respected for who they are.”
Marion Blakey, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America
One of the ways in which Rolls-Royce supports our culture of diversity and inclusion is with employee resource groups. Rolls-Royce currently has 8 ERGs, though we are still growing, as new groups form.
1. Rolls-Royce Black Employee Network
2. The Early Professional Network
3. Generation Mid-to-Late Career
4. Rolls-Royce Veteran Connection
5. Propel with Pride!
6. Rolls-Royce Women North America
7. SOMOS Rolls-Royce (We Are Rolls-Royce; our Hispanic ERG)
8. Rolls-Royce Abilities Network
Each group focuses on providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment.
How our Employee Resource Groups help
Brad Swearingen, Head of Engineering - Controls Systems North America, shared his story on why he joined our Rolls-Royce Ability Network:
My son, at the age of 2, fell off a swing and suffered a traumatic brain injury, which caused him to effectively lose the left portion of his brain. The long-term outlook was very bleak. Today, three years later, he’s doing wonderful and climbs higher every day. He has a long road ahead, but his strength has been so inspiring.
I joined the Abilities Network ERG because I believe we can also make a difference: to help other employees facing similar situations by getting the right resources, to foster an inclusive culture where everyone of all abilities can play a role on the team, and that fundamentally we can shift the status quo and make an impact.
I’m grateful Rolls-Royce encourages and supports these Employee Resource Groups, as we’ve been presented an opportunity to create a profound change in the world around us.
Sloane Whelan, Head of Planning and Control for Defense, shared her story on why she is a member of Propel with Pride!, our ERG that addresses Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues:
Sloane joined Rolls-Royce in 2002 in the Planning and Control organization at Rolls-Royce Engine Services, Oakland. During her time at RRESO she was part of the original Rolls-Royce Employee Engagement team leading the efforts to pilot an engagement program known as Winning Workplace. After ten years the program is still going strong on the Oakland campus.
Bringing teams with different backgrounds and experiences together to drive toward a common goal is one of Sloane’s passions. “I truly believe diversity only makes us stronger. Without different opinions and perspectives how can we expect to do anything other than what has already been done?”
“ERGs, like Propel with Pride!, help guide Rolls-Royce on a path from which we can all benefit. As a global company we must reflect the diverse image and culture of the world.”
Want to join us?
See our current job opportunities.
We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Individuals interested in applying for employment with us who need special assistance or accommodation to apply for a posted position should contact us: North America HR Shared Service Center: 1 877 787 NAHR (6247) or +1 317 230 7777.