Wanjau: Building a sustainable workforce & diverse business is the future

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Mapula Kanyi Wanjau, the HR Director for Africa and Global Commercial at Diageo, discussed the key trends shaping the future of the global workforce. Companies around the world are increasingly focusing on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits as they navigate challenges in the job market driven by technological disruptions in pursuit of sustainability. Wanjau highlighted Diageo's commitment to inclusion and diversity, emphasizing the company's efforts across various aspects of its operations including its workforce, brands, sourcing practices, and community engagement. At the core of Diageo's strategy is 'Society 2030', an ambitious commitment aimed at achieving sustainable goals related to people, planet, and communities by the year 2030. Wanjau noted that globally, Diageo boasts a diverse board and executive team, setting external benchmarks for gender and ethnic diversity. The company's dedication to diversity is evident in its African operations as well, with significant representation of women at both the board and executive levels, surpassing the 40% mark. Looking ahead to 2030, Diageo aspires to achieve 50% female representation across the organization, a target it believes it can reach even before the set timeframe. Emphasizing the importance of diversity in reflecting the consumer base and communities they serve, Wanjau underscored the critical role of employee representative groups in promoting inclusion within the workplace. These groups, such as spirited women and ethnic-focused ERGs, actively address biases and advocate for a more inclusive corporate culture. Diversity extends beyond the workforce at Diageo, permeating into its sourcing and procurement practices. Wanjau highlighted the company's commitment to diversity in spending, with a significant portion allocated to women-owned businesses and other disadvantaged groups. Diageo aims to direct a substantial portion of its procurement spend towards diverse partners, with clear targets set for the coming years. Notably, water sustainability is a key focus area for the company, given its reliance on water as a crucial ingredient in its production processes. With operations in water-stressed regions, Diageo is prioritizing responsible water management practices to mitigate environmental impact. Wanjau's insights shed light on Diageo's comprehensive approach towards building a sustainable workforce and fostering diversity across its business operations. By integrating inclusivity into its corporate DNA, the company positions itself at the forefront of the evolving global landscape, where businesses increasingly recognize the imperative of social responsibility alongside financial success.