Our diverse people – from our different backgrounds to our varied interests, skills, and ways of thinking – are a key part of what makes us stronger as an organization. At HARMAN, we know that diverse thinking spurs innovation and we strive throughout the year to create a culture where everyone feels like they belong, supported to contribute in a meaningful way, and empowered to do their best work.
Spreading awareness and celebrating our people is a critical component of fostering an environment where everyone feels like they can be who they are, part of a shared vision, and succeed to their full potential. This month, our teams across the United States celebrated Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of generations of AAPI Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of America. Take a closer look at some of the activities our team members participated in this month:
- Encouraging Open Dialogue: During a virtual fireside chat, Shannon Chang, Program Manager, Talent Management at HARMAN connected with Ruomu Hu, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Business Unit, HARMAN, and Gunjan Singh, Vice President, Chief Engineer Android Platform, HARMAN to discuss their professional journeys, best practices for inclusive leadership, overcoming biases in personal and professional settings, and how best to be allies for the AAPI community.
- Sharing Culture Through Food: There’s no doubt that cuisine is an important part of one’s cultural identity. Our favorite foods often evoke strong feelings and memories as traditional recipes are passed down for generations. Sharing these meals with others is an easy way to celebrate one’s cultural heritage, and to help people broaden their horizons. Throughout the month, our employees published their favorite recipes for authentic Asian and Pacific Island foods on a virtual Kudoboard to share a taste of their heritage with their team members.
- Embracing New Methods of Health and Wellness: This month, U.S. employees were invited to a Shiatsu demonstration where they learned techniques to help provide relief and relaxation to their own arms, hands, legs, and feet. Shiatsu is a form of traditional massage and therapeutic bodywork from Japan that uses kneading, pressing, smoothing, tapping, and stretching techniques to release tension and bring balance to the body. Where traditional massage focuses primarily on muscles, Shiatsu focuses on the joints and connective tissues and works with the body’s energy flow, know as Ki or Qi. After a long day, Shiatsu can be just the thing to help you feel more relaxed, clear you mind, and lift your mood.
- Opportunities for Self-Learning: Employees were also encouraged to visit the AAPI Month page on HARMAN’s internal hub for access to resources and to learn more about Asian and Pacific Island American history, culture, and observances.
At HARMAN, understanding, appreciating and celebrating the heritage, traditions, and achievements of the many cultures that make up our world is of the utmost priority. Diversity, equity and inclusion influence so much of the work we do, so we remain committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the world in which we operate. For more information about our continued commitment to DE&I at HARMAN and how to join our organization, visit: https://jobs.harman.com/diversity