Diversity Down to the Letter: Major USPS Diversity Initiatives

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has implemented multiple initiatives and special events designed to foster a more inclusive environment in its workforce:

• USPS’ Affirmative Employment Program targets Hispanics, women, disabled veterans and other individuals with disabilities, says Murry E. Weatherall, vice president of diversity development at the Washington, D.C., headquarters.

• The USPS National Diversity Leadership Committee, a diverse group of postal executives, works to ensure representation of all groups at all levels of the organization.

• Diversity executive liaisons serve as advocates and technical advisers to help officers and managers establish “an inclusive and positive workplace environment” by evaluating workplace and employee data, monitoring succession planning, and facilitating diversity education and awareness, says Greg A. Frey, a USPS spokesman.

• Every two years, the agency holds a National Diversity Network training conference for USPS diversity employees. During alternate years, diversity staff from headquarters visit field offices to provide training tailored to local needs.

• In 1996, USPS implemented a National Awards Program for Diversity Achievement, which is the largest peer recognition program in Postal Service history, Frey says. It lets employees recognize individuals, teams and partnerships that have made significant contributions to encourage, promote, support and value diversity.

• A Diversity Development Special Events Committee promotes and supports annual events such as National Hispanic Heritage Month, Veterans Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month and National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.