Lastly, collaboration between the Groupe and its clients on inclusion issues is a key area, based on the internal Workplace to Marketplace framework, in order to obtain more tangible results. The first step, already underway for many years, is based on the creation of truly diverse teams to support our customers and better serve them. The second stage consists of structuring projects, such as the initiative launched by the Groupe around the Once and For All Coalition, which has become a sectoral approach to promote media diversity, in order to better contribute to their development and financial strength (see Section 4.2.2).
2) India
With more than 18,000 employees in India, the Groupe has a significant presence there and can have a positive impact.
Activities related to the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program aim to sustainably change practices in terms of recruitment, appointment and promotion of women, and in favor of persons belonging to under-represented population groups, including:
- thematic awareness-raising workshops are held throughout the year for executives, managers, Talent teams and those in charge of strategy. The role of diversity and inclusion
managers is to be vigilant and nurture this internal culture to which everybody has the right to belong. Within the context of the induction program organized to welcome new employees into the Company, all female, male and LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex) take part in an “Unconscious bias” session designed to anchor the culture of diversity. Publicis Sapient has set itself a roadmap in which the place of women is central, in order to better assist them, as are persons belonging to under-represented population groups, who need to be better represented;
- the internal VivaWomen! network is active and helps to share experiences, highlight role models and encourages people to speak at professional events. Monthly meetings with inspiring guests are an opportunity to reflect on professional development, and to share experiences on personal and family life balance, and professional ambitions.The 2021 VivaWomen! conference gathered many exciting testimonials to understand how some women were able to navigate between professional and personal difficulties while keeping their ambitions intact. The aim is to encourage women to be ambitious despite the significant constraints they face in an environment marked by the pandemic. On top of the workshops held with and for women, Publicis Sapient has rolled out the Catalyst MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) program which embarks the CEO of the entity as well as the male managers on a process of achieving a more in-depth transformation and a sharper understanding of gender balance and diversity issues;
- internal network activities PRIDE (Potential Realized in Diverse Experience) allowing people concerned by LGBTQI+ issues to have a dedicated space to discuss personal situations, watch films and debate on these sensitive topics around gender identity, transformation and being in contact with this very supportive community;
- for people with disabilities, the agency launched the PwD (People with Disability) program to promote inclusion in the workplace. The Agency intentionally hired, integrated and focused on growing this community in the different departments;
- the association Care Givers played a role on several occasions to help employees who have to deal with the care of elderly parents and family complications while pursuing their professional goals.
Finally, the Groupe has strengthened its approach to diversity with its local suppliers to support companies led by women, LGBTQi and people with disabilities, and active in the area of equal treatment.
3) France
In 2021, the Groupe has given itself the means to accelerate the creation of a larger DE&I team. The actions carried out during the year mainly focused on the following areas.
- Measuring the social footprint to better manage it. With the assistance of an external firm, Publicis France is the first French communications group to implement an assessment process for its social footprint based on five pillars, i.e. social diversity and diversity of origins; gender equality; LGBT+ equality; inclusion of people with disabilities; seniors.
- Youth: social diversity and diversity of origins, around equal opportunities and the employability of young people who may find themselves far removed from our companies:
- Publicis Track program, a concrete program to promote equal opportunities, which allows young students from priority areas of the city to join our agencies for quality internships. 76 BTS (French Associate Degree) Communication students from public high schools (70% of scholarship pupils) joined 18 of our agencies for seven-week internships. Three classes of young people were welcomed during the year and managers came to give masterclasses in partner high schools. In view of its success for young people, their secondary schools and the Groupe, the program will continue;
- in 2021, agencies in France welcomed 321 work-study students and 734 interns throughout the country;
- Publicis France has become an official member of PAQTE, a French government program promoting inclusion and equal opportunities. The Talent teams and agency employees take part in numerous coaching and awareness-raising actions, such as the Salon Jeunes d’Avenir: coaching of young people to support them in their internship and job search initiatives; or in the form of interventions in vocational and general secondary schools with 100,000 Entrepreneurs (presentation of our business lines, opening up new horizons, role models);
