How Neiman Marcus Group cultivates a belonging culture

Retail Gets Real episode 273: Chief People and Belonging Officer on creating a more equitable and successful business
Juliana Saling
NRF Digital Communications
June 21, 2022
Retail Gets Real is sponsored by

Today's human resources space shows the shift in both consumer behavior and employee values and expectations. Both consumers and employees expect complete transparency and will call on brands to develop policies and practices to create more equitable, inclusive workplaces. Neiman Marcus Group’s Chief People and Belonging Officer Eric Severson joins the Retail Gets Real podcast to discuss how to use measurable outcomes to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Neiman Marcus Scores 100 on Human Rights Campaign Index

NMG achieved a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign corporate equality index and was recognized as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.” Read more.

“Diversity plus equity plus inclusion equals belonging,” said Severson, who is using people analytics and evidence-based DNI techniques to create a trusting work environment that ensures productivity with transparency and accountability. The retailer's ESG report is focused on transparency, creating a culture of belonging and giving back to their communities.  

“In retail, we are exceptionally skilled at operationalizing virtually any strategy or concept. So, I think we’re uniquely positioned to get results in belonging, or DEI, if you will,” said Severson. “This is no different than any other challenge or problem you have in the business. It deserves the respect of treating it with the same rigor you would treat a marketing problem, a sales problem, or any other retail operations challenge.” 

Tune into the episode to learn more about building a healthy and inclusive corporate culture, the future of the workplace, and Neiman Marcus group’s belonging strategies.  

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