Representation metrics are a key component in our strategy in order to understand the composition and experience of all identity groups of our workforce. In addition to the required employment data collected in each country, our “I Matter” initiative allows our employees to self-identify across a variety of identities including gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability. In our first full year collecting data, we are beginning to gain a more accurate understanding of our employee makeup and experiences. For example, to date, the program has a 35% adoption rate, and of those who participated, 5.1% identify as non-Heterosexual and 1.4% identify as non-Cisgender. We anticipate increased participation and insights in the coming year.

Our Allies Council, a unique leadership initiative of over 60 senior Equinix leaders, advocates for the education and promotion of gender and racial equity. In 2022, we sponsored over 30 executives through Allies Council training. Our “Foundations” group participated in discussions covering aspects of equity, including understanding bias, “calling in and calling out,” and allyship behavior, among other topics. Our Gender Equity group focused on gender bias, intersectionality, and understanding imposter syndrome, while our Racial Equity group learned about “white fragility.”

Among other events in 2022, Allies Council participants attended a fireside chat with thought leader and organizational psychologist, John Amaechi, and Equinix CEO Charles Meyers, who discussed DIB accountability as a requisite for inclusive leadership.

Over 3,000 participants took part in our third WeConnect event, a 24-hour, virtual and in-person event led by our EECNs. This special event sought to create a sense of belonging by providing a platform for different Equinix communities to express themselves and to celebrate our shared humanity through wellbeing and service. One highlight event included training on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

Equinix recognizes that creating the best workplace and culture requires a global effort with localized approaches. In 2020, we launched teams called “WeAreEquinix” (WRE), whose aim is to create and promote purpose, belonging, service, sustainability and fun for their locations across the world. They also provide Equinix with a more holistic view into the unique happenings across our global business and help build culture and community, locally.

WRE is a unique mechanism for employees to take leadership roles at their local sites and to support a workplace where employees can say, “I’m safe, I belong, and I matter.” With over 250 volunteers, WRE groups proudly support teams in 35+ locations.

In 2022, WRE teams sought to better understand how to scale the program. Over a six-month period, team members met with colleagues around the globe, conducted benchmarking research with seven other multi-national organizations, and held an in-person workshop with program and regional leaders. As a result, we created a new vision, priority actions and a three-year strategy to drive impact with our WRE program. We envision a strong future for the WRE program, with global and local offerings that encourage engagement and community-building opportunities.

Toys were distributed to an orphanage for Ukrainian families.

Netherlands donated old but working laptops to the WOW Amsterdam hostel which is hosting 200 refugees from Ukraine. With the donation, shelter residents are now able to easily access information, continue their education online, search for a new job and stay connected with their families. A similar donation was made by the UK to Ethiopia to help communities that are recovering from uprisings and other day-to-day struggles to help them get back on their feet.

WeAreEquinix France supported the build of EquiSchool in Benin through multiple volunteer activities, and the school is now open!

During this series, employees celebrated important days such as International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month​, Seder Night, Santos Populares and Navratri.