A week has passed since GOP candidate Donald Trump won the election and became President-Elect Trump.
This has caused a lot of concerns for many company owners and their employees and highlighted the importance of diversity in the workforce.
Several CEOs have offered their thoughts by sharing their personal thoughts with their employees.
Amazon: CEO Jeff Bezos
Anthony Little, an employee and other Affinity Group Leaders contacted Bezos to ask him to reinforce Amazon’s commitment to diverse perspectives and reiterate that Amazon does not support workplace harassment of any kind,
Here is Bezos’ full reply:
Dear Anthony and all of our affinity groups,
Thank you very much for your heartfelt email. As you note, the importance of diversity is represented in our Leadership Principles. Amazon has always been, and always will be, committed to equal rights, tolerance and diversity. And we firmly reject, and have zero tolerance for, harassment of any kind.
We’re a company of builders whose diverse backgrounds, ideas, and points of view are critical to helping us invent on behalf of all our customers. But it’s not only that diversity and inclusion are good for our business. It’s more fundamental than that — it’s simply right. These are enduring values for us—and nothing will change that.
Please feel free to share my note with your colleagues.
Thank you,
Jeff
Apple: CEO Tim Cook
Team,
I’ve heard from many of you today about the presidential election. In a political contest where the candidates were so different and each received a similar number of popular votes, it’s inevitable that the aftermath leaves many of you with strong feelings.
We have a very diverse team of employees, including supporters of each of the candidates. Regardless of which candidate each of us supported as individuals, the only way to move forward is to move forward together. I recall something Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 50 years ago: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This advice is timeless, and a reminder that we only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.
While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed. Our products connect people everywhere, and they provide the tools for our customers to do great things to improve their lives and the world at large. Our company is open to all, and we celebrate the diversity of our team here in the United States and around the world — regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
I’ve always looked at Apple as one big family and I encourage you to reach out to your co-workers if they are feeling anxious.
Let’s move forward — together!
Best,
Tim
Box: CEO Aaron Levie
Hey Boxers:
I wanted to briefly share a few thoughts on the U.S. election result and process (as if you needed more on the topic right now).
Our company has been built on the principle of bringing together people from all walks of life to do amazing work by creating an environment where we trust each other, work collaboratively, and have a deep respect for one another.
It’s not always apparent day-to-day to all of us, but many groups have been through an emotional roller coaster of toxic rhetoric and behaviors throughout this campaign; it’s been taxing, stressful and more. For many, the fear and concerns as a result of this election won’t go away quickly or easily. Much of the work that President Obama and other leaders have pushed through on critically important social issues over the past few years has been challenged throughout this campaign cycle. This is scary.
I’m hopeful that over the coming weeks and months we’ll start to see a very different style from the President-elect. Some of the ideas that were proposed in this campaign cycle would be disastrous if put into action, and I’m confident they will not come to pass.
At Box, we are strongly committed to our values of openness and inclusion and will do everything to fight for these principles going forward. We’ll continue to build an insanely strong culture that reflects our diversity as an organization, and create an environment where everyone can thrive and be successful. Importantly, it takes each and every Boxer to help make sure this happens.
Rest assured that in this upcoming administration, we’ll be a major advocate for all issues that affect our employees and our values as a company (LGBTQ rights, fair immigration policies, racial and gender equality, etc.), as well as continue to drive toward a stronger partnership with the government on important topics for driving an innovation economy (cyber-security, STEM education, modernizing regulation, etc.).
This election cycle has illuminated many important issues that our country must start to confront and we’ll have to find ways to productively engage on these topics as a nation. We have a lot of work to do now, but I’m still very optimistic for America’s future.
Facebook: CEO Mark Zuckerberg:
Grubhub CEO Matt Mahoney
SUBJECT: So… that happened… what’s next?
I’m still trying to reconcile my own worldview with the overwhelming message that was delivered last night. Clearly there are a lot of people angry and scared as the antithesis of every modern presidential candidate won and will be our next president.
While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior – and these views, have no place at Grubhub. Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination.
We have worked for years cultivating a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating – including all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual, cultural or ideological preferences. We are better, faster and stronger together.
Further I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump and will work to shield our community from this movement as best as I can. As we all try to understand what this vote means to us, I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone else here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States.
If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team. I want to repeat what Hillary said this morning, that the new administration deserves our open minds and a chance to lead, but never stop believing that the fight for what’s right is worth it.
Stay strong,
Matt
To find out more, check out http://divergenow.com/dialogue/2016/11/grubhub-ceo-faces-backlash-election-related-letter-employees/
AOL co-founder Steve Case:
I am surprised & disappointed. But now that the people have spoken, we should accept the result & work together to move the country forward.
— Steve Case (@SteveCase) November 9, 2016
and finally, Matt Harringan, the CEO and President of PacketSled was recently let go after stating that he would kill Donald Trump on social media.
