At Consolidated Communications, we seek high-quality employees of all
backgrounds and experiences. We welcome differences and diversity as qualities that enhance our efforts as a team and believe embracing diversity and a culture of inclusion makes Consolidated Communications a better company. We believe recognizing strength in our differences contributes to different ideas and better decisions, which in turn drives better results for our customers and our shareholders. Together, we’re working to ensure that Consolidated provides support, resources and opportunities to everyone, according to their needs.
In an effort to promote diversity and eliminate any potential hiring biases, the company continues to evaluate and improve recruiting initiatives affecting hiring for open company positions. We also partner with diversity and veteran-focused job websites to attract a large, more diverse pool of potential candidates.
Consolidated Communications has been and will continue to be an
Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Disabled and Veteran Friendly Employer. We strive to maintain workplaces that are free from any type of discrimination or harassment by recruiting, hiring, assigning and promoting without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or any other factor prohibited by law. Consolidated Communications reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with covered disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
All employees are required to complete annual harassment prevention training, which includes education regarding harassment based on protected classes, as part of their professional development coursework, but we know we must expand our efforts far beyond legal compliance.
Consolidated strives to create a work environment that provides all employees with equal access to information, equitable opportunities and ongoing career development. As we continue advancing in our diversity journey, we frequently seek out employee feedback through formal surveys along with participation in annual employee meetings, quarterly employee town halls, webcasts and always-on Q&A forms on our intranet.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
In 2023, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council expanded to 12 members representing a variety of diverse identities. The Council is a cross-functional team that develops resources and provides input and guidance aimed at ensuring the company is a place where differences are welcomed, every employee can feel supported and be successful, and all customers and communities are recognized and respected.
2023 was an intense year in the DEI space. Despite the challenges that come with this work, Consolidated’s DEI Council continued to make great progress. Council members met monthly to discuss a wide range of topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, share opportunities and challenges, and work toward longer-term goals.
As a team, the Council created and published a new resource guide: Working with Neurodivergent Employees. This accessible guide covers some common neurotypes along with potential strengths and challenges for neurodivergent employees. The guide shares information for employees and managers to help create environments where both neurotypical and neurodivergent employees are set up for success.
The DEI Council also announced the Reading Between the Lines book club. Each month a new book is selected, read and discussed by book club members. Reading Between the Lines provides an entry point for employees curious about DEI, introduces some incredible authors, and offers opportunities for members to meet employees with whom they otherwise may never have the chance to interact.
Most recently, the Council launched Employee Resource Group (ERG) pilots. ERGs provide space and community for employees from marginalized identities. Allies are also welcome to join, so they can learn from members and become better advocates for their colleagues.
Detailed information on our Diversity, Equity &
Inclusion initiatives is available in
Consolidated’s 2023 ESG Report.