N-SIDE takes diversity, equity and inclusion to heart

Diversity, equity and inclusion at N-SIDE: embodied, measured and reported

As a fast-growing company with an international scope and a strong commitment to its values, we acknowledge that DE&I fosters creative people and mindsets to come together, innovate and achieve ambitious goals. The true importance of diversity as a core value within our organization stems from N-SIDE’s vision to Build a healthy and sustainable world by optimizing decisions. “We firmly believe that the development of a healthy and sustainable world is closely linked to a peaceful and prosperous society, which in return, depends on diversity, equity and inclusion” discloses Maud Larochette, CFO and CHRO at N-SIDE.

In order to assess the status and impact of its current DE&I efforts, N-SIDE has adopted a data-driven approach to measure, report and recognize the achievements made thus far. As transparency is also part of our values, we are proud to share our second DE&I report. This report serves as a remarkable testimony to the highest standards achieved until now and paves the way for the ambitious and innovative DE&I program we aim to take.

Major findings in respect of diversity and inclusion

Our People & Business Organization team members conducted a thorough research to identify specific and measurable facts related to diversity, equity and inclusion at N-SIDE. The goal was to demonstrate our tangible commitment to D&I through precise data and examples. “We felt it was important to be able to concretely determine where we stand today, but also assess the different diversity factors within our organisation” explains Maud Larochette. The report notably discloses the achievements made so far by the company to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace for the benefit of all N-SIDErs.

Among the outcomes from the research, we can highlight that:

• The share of internationals (non-Belgian) at N-SIDE is 31%
• Approximately 1⁄3 of the workforce are identified as women, and 60% of our C-level positions are held by women
• For most job levels, the wage gap between men and women is below 1%
• The overall gender pay gap at N-SIDE is ~3%, below the national average of 4.5% in Belgium as well as below the average of ~13% in OECD
• The average score of internal satisfaction towards diversity & inclusion at N-SIDE is 87.6%

At N-SIDE, we recognize that nothing can be taken for granted. Based on the feedback of our employees, N-SIDE seeks to identify and implement improvements related to diversity and inclusion. “We can always do better and it’s through structured progress that we will be able to raise the bar higher” emphasizes Maud Larochette. This approach demonstrates that N-SIDE cares about the interests of its employees and is sensitive to improving their work experience.

During the past fiscal year (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022), N-SIDE hired more than 80 employees to support its ambitious growth plans for both Life Sciences and Energy business lines. As a scale-up seeking to further expand its footprint on international markets, this report is also a way to highlight to its ever-growing international employee base that the company welcomes diversity as a key value. N-SIDE strives to consider each individual whose skills are likely to match each open position. All candidates are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law. N-SIDE does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Diversity and inclusion as a changing force

As disclosed previously, this D&I report is a stepping stone to a more ambitious project. Measuring where N-SIDE stands on specific, fundamental metrics is a starting point to pave the way for an innovative and solid D&I program within the organization. This project is built with the intention of becoming not only part of the company culture, but mainly having an impact that measures beyond the perimeter of our organisation and employee base.

“We strive to commit to a changing force that will ensure all employees can bring their true, authentic selves to work – where authenticity will be a reality allowing all employees to daily express the multitude of their original and beautiful personality without the need of this expression requiring protection or being part of specific identifications. What we aim for is creating a culture where D&I – or ‘Bring Your True Self To Work!’ is automatically and naturally part of who we are on a daily basis” details Maud Larochette.

N-SIDE acknowledges that change requires time and effort. “We hope our N-SIDErs will appreciate the great journey done so far and will continue to be inspired by our intent to increasingly support D&I through our internal initiatives. We are also confident that this report will also be a valuable source of information for any individual seeking to join N-SIDE or partner with us in any way, as it will enable a potential candidate or stakeholder to fully grasp the diverse, inclusive and committed environment we foster at N-SIDE” concludes Maud Larochette.