SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 31, 2024 – Toyota's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its Business Partnering Groups (BPGs), which provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the company's success.
"One of the reasons we created SAGE was to really highlight communication and experiences across the generations at Toyota," says Julie Ayres, a remarketing senior analyst in Inspection App at Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and chairperson at SAGE.
SAGE: Supporting Adaptive Generational Experience
SAGE, one of Toyota's 14 BPGs, focuses on celebrating and leveraging the power of age diversity. It provides a forum for employees of all ages and backgrounds to learn from each other and build relationships.
"With the transition to Texas, we wanted to make sure that the background and the history of Toyota were communicated and shared as we gained new employees," says Ayres.
Informal Mentorship and Networking
SAGE's mentorship program is unique in its informal approach. It encourages organic connections and conversations between employees, fostering a sense of community and knowledge sharing.
"Providing the points of connection, not necessarily assigning mentors and mentees, but the opportunity to get into a mentoring relationship," is an important element of the BPG, according to Ayres.
Learning and Growing Together
SAGE hosts various events, including community gatherings, lunch sessions, speaker series, and volunteer opportunities, to bring employees together and foster a deeper understanding of the company and its values.
"I'm fairly new to Toyota, so I'm someone who was trying to learn more about the company's history other than what I can read off the Wikipedia page," says Chris Lokey, a product analyst in Mobility at TFS.
Sharing Experiences and Perspectives
The BPG also encourages employees to share their experiences and perspectives, regardless of their tenure or position within the company.
"I have two sons graduating college and asking me how to apply for a job, but I have no clue how this is done in this day and age," says Brandee Platke, a senior marketing analyst in retail transformation at TFS. "But someone new to the company has this wealth of knowledge they can share with me, and I have 27 years of knowledge and connections I can share with them. I feel like I am not only giving to others, but I get so much from others in return."
Inspiring Innovation and Growth
By fostering a culture of sharing and collaboration, SAGE aims to spark innovation and drive new ideas forward.
"We think that is foundational in our Toyota culture of 'Respect for People' and inherent in all that we do as a company," says Erin Ilgen Roe, a Lexus dealer education manager at TMNA and SAGE board member. "SAGE recognizes that through our diversity and varied experiences, we can devise more innovative solutions and approaches to our business."
Toyota's BPGs play a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences.