Mentoring program to remove advancement barriers
Purpose:
At AXA Belgium, we have a diverse workforce, but we’ve identified a barrier to advancement for colleagues of non-EU origin just below middle management. To address this, we’ve developed a concrete action plan, including the implementation of a mentoring program.
Description :
We’ve created a mentoring program specifically for colleagues of non-EU descent who are below the people management level, and whom we believe can advance at least one level. The selection process is carried out by their direct managers. Selected colleagues are paired with a senior manager (either a management committee member or someone at the level just below) and commit to meeting at least four times. The goal is to provide more exposure, learn about AXA, discuss areas for development and how to address them, and explore potential next steps. Through this program, mentees gain increased exposure, self-confidence, and a better understanding of their own capabilities. We plan to launch this program twice a year in the coming years.
Results :
We completed the first wave in summer 2024 and conducted a survey to gather feedback from both mentors and mentees to enhance the second wave, which will be launched in January 2025.