Diversity at Norlight

REASON #107: Because variety is the spice of life.

As Guardians of Data, we inspire trust and loyalty, first by understanding our customers' needs, and then by handcrafting integrated telecommunications solutions for them. We accomplish this because we approach the telecommunications business a little differently than our competitors. When it comes right down to it, we're not in the technology business. We're in the service business. We deliver on a promise. Our promise to provide world-class customer service. All of the time.

The values that drive our company's success are customer-focus, accountability, respect for individuals, excellence in performance, and a total commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. Norlight's vision of diversity supports our company Mission: "Leveraging the collective mixture of our differences and similarities to encourage a work environment that provides individuals the opportunity to share, prosper, take pride in the company, and contribute to their fullest potential."

A Note from the President

The foundation of our company is quite simply, the belief that to be truly successful, we must provide world-class customer service. All of the time. Each and every Guardian is empowered to inspire the trust and loyalty of our customers.

Norlight is successful and unique because of our ability to attract, develop and retain highly skilled and talented people. At the core of that initiative is the desire to build a work-force that reflects the value of diversity. Characteristics such as gender, race, nationality, age, culture, religious preference and the presentation of unique concepts and ideas are distinctions that expand our understanding of each other and our customers, and translates into a significant business advantage for Norlight.

The purpose of the information below is to increase awareness and understanding for Norlight's commitment to fostering a corporate culture open to diverse perspectives and ideas. One that energizes our Guardians and allows everyone to feel valued.

The Competitive Advantage

Relating to the Customer Base - This can represent a sustainable, competitive business advantage to the company. The changing demographics of the work place not only reflect the company, but its customer base as well. It is important that the make up of the workforce be consistent with the communities the company serves.

Good Management - An effective leader gets things done by recognizing and utilizing the strengths of others. Managing diversity consists of strong leadership skills, which includes valuing differences. Understanding differences in values, styles and perspectives is essential in getting the best from Norlight Guardians. Good management requires an understanding of one's own cultural assumptions, as well as an acknowledgment of the validity of other perspectives.

Productivity Benefit to the Organization - In organizations that value diversity, employees are better able to express their creativity, contribute ideas/solutions, seek challenges and assume leadership. Different perspectives contribute to creative problem solving.

Cost Effective - Organizations that truly embrace diversity and value the contributions and unique skills of all their employees typically expend far less energy on divisive and difficult issues. When a diverse workforce is not effectively utilized, larger amounts of time, money, and energy must be spent resolving issues of absenteeism, turnover, charges / litigation, poor performance and employee dissatisfaction.

Legal Perspective - There are laws which prohibit racist and sexist behavior and other forms of bias. Disrespect for differences is the root of these inappropriate and frequently illegal behaviors.

Diversity At Norlight Means

• Recruitment, development, advancement, and retention of a diverse workforce occur throughout all organizational levels and functions. A diverse workforce is the rule, rather than the exception.
• Employees are committed to maintaining an environment in which everyone can achieve desired work results. Each employee understands how behaviors influence the work culture and environment, and the performance of co-workers.
• Diversity topics are discussed openly, routinely and through numerous and varied channels. The results are mutual trust and confidence.
• The workforce accepts and fully supports employees' differences, including culture and style. Differences are effectively and creatively utilized and valued by the organization, not merely tolerated.
• Management listens and responds to employee concerns and expeditiously addresses concerns through internal channels.
• A high performing, diverse workforce drives business results. Employees are rewarded and held accountable for creating such a work environment.
  

What We Do At Norlight

• Define and clarify diversity-related terminology to facilitate understanding and communications.
• Demonstrate executive commitment and personal involvement.
• Allocate resources: money, time, and people.
• Encourage the use of qualified vendors and suppliers who value and embrace diversity.
• Integrate diversity into all systems and practices, including business plans.
• Train employees at all levels to enhance their awareness and understanding of diversity and skills related to diverse management.
• Celebrate diversity.
• Create measurement systems and track progress related to diversity management.
• Regularly communicate diversity progress with employees, vendors/suppliers, constituency groups, customers, and others as may be appropriate.
  

Common Definitions

Diversity: All differences among people. Examples include gender, race, age, ancestry, national origin, color, sexual orientation, citizenship status, creed, marital status, religion, military status, and disability.

Diversity Management: Strategies and actions which focus on valuing all employees and utilizing the diversity within the workforce to gain a sustainable, competitive business advantage.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Personnel practices within the company under which individuals are provided an equal opportunity for participation, advancement, and benefits. EEO prohibits discrimination and harassment.

Affirmative Action: Actions taken to establish a diverse work- force and ensure equal opportunity for all employees. Examples include outreach recruiting, internships, and development programs.

Good-Faith Effort: Management's efforts, which demonstrate commitment to Diversity Management and EEO and which are expected to help meet the goal of a diverse workforce.

Goals: Goals are not quotas, but are used to measure success in achieving a diverse and productive workforce.