How woke is Weyerhaeuser?

Introduction

Founded in 1900, Weyerhaeuser Company is a giant in sustainable forest products. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, they manage over 10.5 million acres of timberlands across the U.S. Weyerhaeuser isn’t just about timber—they’re deeply committed to sustainable forestry practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and environmental stewardship​​.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Weyerhaeuser shows strong support for progressive causes through its Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund.

The fund prioritizes environmental stewardship and DEI initiatives, among others, backing local organizations and projects that promote social justice and inclusivity​​. In 2021, Weyerhaeuser’s contributions totaled $5.9 million, highlighting their commitment to these causes​​.

“Through the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund, we support U.S. and Canadian communities where we have a significant presence or business interest,” Weyerhaeuser explains.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Weyerhaeuser demonstrates a strong commitment to DEI. In 2019, the company added inclusion to its core values, underscoring this dedication. To implement DEI strategies effectively, Weyerhaeuser established an Inclusion Council comprising diverse employees. This council regularly shares insights with senior management.

They also maintain a blog called “Inclusion Matters,” with updates about their DEI initiatives. In the blog, Denise Merle, Senior Vice President and Chief Administration Officer, writes: “I plan to use this space to explore some of these topics and hopefully engage all of us in conversations about what it means to build a truly inclusive culture at Weyerhaeuser.”

Mandatory Training Sessions

Weyerhaeuser offers training related to inclusion, but these appear to be voluntary rather than mandatory.

Their website states: “Our voluntary online training catalog is accessible to all employees and includes 100+ different micro-learning options on a wide variety of soft skills, leadership development areas, business fundamentals, and DEI topics.”

While additional DEI-related training is provided for leaders, there’s no clear indication that any of these sessions are compulsory.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Weyerhaeuser’s support for LGBTQ+ initiatives is strong and varied. Internally, the COLORS diversity business network offers networking, education, and support for LGBTQ+ employees.

Externally, they have received recognition for their efforts. Weyerhaeuser scored a 95 out of 100 in the LGBT Equality Scores.

The company also engages in initiatives like the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation’s Children’s Initiative, which supports LGBTQ+ youth​​.

Marketing and Branding

Weyerhaeuser integrates social activism into their marketing and branding strategies, especially focusing on sustainability.

They actively promote their sustainable forestry practices and highlight the environmental benefits of their wood products. This aligns with their broader social and environmental activism goals​​.

“Given the scale of our footprint, we understand the importance of carefully managing our energy usage and ensuring that we continually make efficiency improvements at every stage of production,” Weyerhaeuser notes.

They also use their digital platforms to share stories and updates on their sustainability and community engagement efforts, supporting their image as a socially responsible company​​.

Conclusion

While Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity may appeal to progressive circles, their heavy emphasis on DEI and social justice initiatives raises concerns about prioritizing woke policies over traditional business values. The extensive yet voluntary DEI training programs, financial contributions to progressive causes, and strong support for LGBTQ+ initiatives might be viewed as diverting focus from merit-based practices and core business operations. This alignment with the woke agenda could be seen as virtue signaling, potentially alienating stakeholders who prioritize traditional values and practical business efficacy.