Hyundai Votes for Women, Diversity, and Inclusion

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The timing on this one is pretty good. At a time when a barrage of overly macho yet lame middle-aged white manosphere “leaders” are bouncing off of the trampoline towards us, Hyundai is reminding us what an advanced democracy not overtaken by cancer is like. Well, maybe I’m going a tad too far, and we’re just talking about corporate involvement in a UN initiative, but it is refreshing looking at an alternative universe over in Korea.

Here’s a short summary of the news:

“Hyundai Motor Company, in partnership with The Gallery, today held a workshop on diversity and inclusion, titled: ‘Become Changemakers through the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles’.

“The event took place at Hyundai Motor’s Gangnam office, Seoul, and was designed to raise awareness and stimulate discussion on diversity issues in a global context. Hyundai Motor has decided to join the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a global framework developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to promote gender equality and empower women across workplaces, markets, and communities.

“By joining the WEPs community, Hyundai Motor will demonstrate its commitment, at the highest levels of the company, to deliver on the gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Here are their hashtags:

I know most of those — or all of those — are dirty words to many tech bros, but if you haven’t fallen down a manosphere rabbit hole, these are good things. They aren’t just “feel good” things — research has shown time and time again that diversity, inclusion, and more gender balance actually help companies perform better.

It’s just smart.

Well, not just smart — it’s also empathetic and emotionally mature.

“This occasion brings together a wonderfully diverse group of individuals,” said Hae In Kim, Chief HR Officer of Hyundai Motor Company. “Our aim is to foster an environment where every employee has the chance to reach their full potential, no matter their background. We have taken significant steps to embrace diversity and inclusion so that everyone feels valued and respected, introducing our Hyundai Way guidelines. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and together we can create a more inclusive, equitable and successful organization.”

While some companies and countries are looking to follow the North Korean model more and more, Hyundai reminds us of what a company based in a high-functioning democracy acts like.

As if they knew this would be the dagger in my heart, toward the end of the news release, Hyundai noted that this all aligns with “Hyundai Motor’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and its commitment to creating a sustainable future for everyone.” Progress for Humanity. I was not aware of this Hyundai vision or guidance, but it all makes me think that much more about trading in my Tesla Model 3 for a Hyundai IONIQ 5 (or IONIQ 6, as someone else on our team here at CleanTechnica is looking to do).

Here are Hyundai’s closing remarks:

“The company values an open, inclusive and supportive work environment that respects diversity regardless of preference, choice or background.

“As Hyundai Motor transitions from an automobile manufacturer to a smart mobility solutions provider, it recognizes the importance of diverse talents and perspectives in its workforce. By adopting the Women’s Empowerment Principles, the company reinforces its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and to business practices that encourage and inspire women. It aims to contribute to global efforts in driving a more inclusive, equitable society.”

What more needs to be said? Well, you can read much more about all of this in the Hyundai news release.