Robertshaw is an American company that operates in 14 countries. The subject of activity is the production of various parts and components for white goods. In Bulgaria, the company has 3 plants where it produces parts for gas appliances. Its main clients are large companies such as Ariston, Beko, Indesit, etc.

Introducing Ekaterina Zgureva – manager of the “Human Resources” department in Bulgaria.

Why is it important for every company to seek diversity in its team and strive to be free of ethnic or other prejudices?

Human resources are the most valuable capital of a company. Prejudice would be an obstacle to seeing the potential of the person against you. First and foremost we are all human beings and we are equal in rights and therefore prejudice of any kind should not be shown in the workplace. Team diversity is important because different people have different life and professional experiences, contributing diverse qualities and skills, mindsets and decision-making strategies.

What do employers most often fear that stops them from being more “open” to differences between cultures and people?

Perhaps because it is easier to stay in one’s comfort zone and when a working model is already working, most employers prefer to use it instead of being “more open”.

Fear of risk is also a factor because risk carries an unknown outcome.

Should the search for diversity in the team become a leading business priority of more Bulgarian companies and what are the advantages?

Team diversity is a good thing and making it a priority would only benefit the company. The advantages are that when given tasks, a diverse team could much more easily cope because everyone contributes to their strengths. If everyone on the team works with the same approach and mindset, it limits and sets a framework that prevents different decisions from being made that can lead the company to better results.

How does your company approach diversity in teams – what challenges do you face and how much of your team is ethnically diverse, for example?

There are 4 people in our team who are foreigners and are in managerial positions. Experience so far shows us that we work extremely well together. As an international company, the official language of communication is English, so we do not experience any particular difficulties. We try and try in every way to integrate our colleagues who are from foreign countries, for example, the company takes care to provide them with lessons in the Bulgarian language, which is extremely useful for them.

Are you having trouble getting hired?

We face difficulties in finding qualified personnel who are professionals in a certain field.

Does your management team undergo training to reduce prejudice?

Our team has not undergone this type of training, but this year we have planned one.

Valuable lessons and advice from your activity in this direction?

After passing the training, I will be happy to share our valuable experience.

Do you think you and other companies should advocate for more diversity in companies?

Of course, we live in a cosmopolitan world, it is necessary for everyone to let go of their prejudices and be well-intentioned and positive about the differences around us.