On Oct. 24, fasteners manufacturer and distributor Optimas Solutions announced a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy that the company says establishes an official view of Optimas’ growing culture that ensures all employees “feel secure to be their authentic selves at work.”

Wood Dale, Illinois-based Optimas — which announced a new dual-CEO leadership model in an MDM Podcast published Oct. 11 — said the new DEI policy includes several initiatives that create tangible results. Those initiatives include adding more DEI-focused education to the company’s onboarding process (Optimas Institute) for new and returning employees. Optimas will also provide ongoing digital resources and in-person multi-cultural events so employees can expand their knowledge and promote understanding between colleagues.

“Our THREAD values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Excellence, Accountability and Drive only come to life when we embrace our diverse employees and make inclusivity a priority,” said Daniel Harms, CEO, Americas. “That’s why we are excited to announce our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy that serves to enhance existing regional practices.”

Optimas is No. 29 on MDM’s 2022 Top Industrial Distributors List, and No. 8 in Fastener Distributors.

The company said it is also currently establishing employee resource groups (ERGs) so all employees can have a voice and a safe space to provide actionable insights for growth. Employees will continue to have company support for grassroots efforts that focus on local community service needs.

“We expect fair treatment and dignity to be central to all working relationships,” said Kate Daly, Optimas Senior VP of Human Resources. “We commit to actively listening to our employees to learn how to improve and grow together as a company.”

“Optimas is proud of its diverse staff in all of our locations across the world,” added Mike Tuffy, CEO of International. “We are committed to acknowledging all our employees’ perspectives and experiences to leverage the expansive experience of our team and to better serve our customers and partners.”