Based on my previous role as an Assistant Store Manager for Free People, diversity would absolutley improve the Free
People organization. I chose the levels based on Free People specifically, but it's important to understand that the
brand is housed under URBN, Inc. which is a retail corporation with various brands, venues, restaurants, etc. The
different brands that URBN has effect the companywide policies and procedures. While I don't know the exact statistics,
based on my observations, Free People is the least diverse of the entire company - in all areas - age, gender, race, etc.
This was absolutley prevalent in the issues that made me choose lower levels on the chart. Being part of URBN is
probably the primary reason the organization hasn't had major issues yet.
The highest levels were in culture, business, and strategy & measures. Culture ranked high because essentially all
employees for Free People have a common interest - the fashion, the brand, the discount. A lot of interest-based
similarities that provide the energy & vibe. The other two areas are purely business based - it's a big company, that has
been around for a while… they know how to do it. Each of the other areas would be greatly improved by diversity in
terms of leadership & staffing; advancement opportunities, empowerment for minorities, less backlash to change & new
ideas due to a larger variety of ideas and experiences. More open minds! Free People never felt real - it was like a
simulation. As part of the workforce majority in the organization, I saw issues, but I can't imagine how it would be from
the perspective of a minority. There was a serious lack of diversity, even in the customer base, that would be increased
by more inclusive hiring practices. Whew, I truly do believe all areas would be improved greatly by diversity… it needs it.