Delta CEO Ed Bastian has signed on to the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, a CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

As a collaborative group of more than 175 CEOs at many of the world’s leading companies, the leaders have agreed to take action to cultivate a workplace where different points of view are welcomed and employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion topics.

“For more than 85 years, Delta has been in the business of bringing people together,” Bastian stated in his recent LinkedIn post. “As a global airline, we believe that our company must reflect the diversity of the world and serve as a model of inclusiveness. That commitment to embracing diverse people, styles and ways of thinking, and treating our customers and each other with respect, is part of our core values.”

A global marketplace requires an innovative, inclusive workforce for business growth. By seeking diversity, promoting inclusion and driving accountability, Delta can make a positive impact on its people, customers and the communities it serves.

Bastian shared that for the commitment to work, it must be sincere. In addition to the pledge, there are several actionable initiatives already in place at Delta:

• Delta’s Diversity and Inclusion Council is focused on identifying department-specific opportunities throughout the organization and championing real action.
• The company’s Business Resource Groups, open to all employees, provide a source of collaboration and empowerment for employees with diverse backgrounds who want to make their mark on the customer and employee experience.
• Inclusion training for leaders and employees reinforces Delta’s culture of inclusion.

Giving back to the communities where Delta people live, work and serve is also key to the company’s inclusive culture. Each year Delta, The Delta Air Lines Foundation and its employees contribute thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars to communities worldwide.

Delta’s Supplier Diversity team is also proud to honor the contributions of the company's diverse suppliers. For 18 years, the Star Awards program has celebrated the airline’s top small-business, minority-owned and women-owned suppliers, as well as internal Delta team members who champion supplier diversity.

“At Delta, our core values of honesty, integrity and respect, along with a focus on continuous improvement, provide the foundation for everything we do,” Bastian said.

The initial commitment by the CEOs is the first step to encourage further conversation and action around diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

As part of the effort, several companies have shared best practices and case studies on a host of topics. Delta’s featured topics include, “Promoting inclusion through Business Resource Groups” and “Recognizing the value of women in the workplace.”

For additional details on the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative, visit CEOAction.com.