Associates from the MillerKnoll collective of brands came together in partnership with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team, Operations leadership, and Equity Teams (employee resource groups) for Days of Understanding, a series of conversations focused on increasing understanding across differences and deepening empathy and respect in the workplace.

“Everyone plays a part in advancing DEI across MillerKnoll and we want to inspire more involvement in everyone ‘owning’ DEI,” said Cheryl Kern, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Through this year’s Days of Understanding theme of ‘Join the Journey,’ we invited all associates and leaders to share their stories, including personal life and work experiences, to further enrich our culture and create lasting change. Every member of our leadership team attended sessions and engaged in their own unique ways which made a difference to our associates.”

In addition to the broader scheduled sessions, individuals and teams are hosting smaller sessions with provided resources and conversation guides from the DEI Team through mid-May, further building transparency and camaraderie.

Days of Understanding serves as a powerful platform and conduit for conversations and inspires action, which is in direct alignment with the company’s DEI Actions and strengthens business and DEI strategies.

Background on Days of Understanding

As a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ Pledge, Herman Miller hosted its first Days of Understanding in 2021, where over 1,600 associates around the globe participated. This year, the initiative was expanded following the creation of MillerKnoll, a collective of design brands that has come together to design the world we live in. Days of Understanding is one way the company is working toward a more equitable and inclusive future.