Category Archives: Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity

“Giving Back and Paying It Forward is Something I Try to Do Daily”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Terry Sylvester, Fabrication Welder at our Work Furniture facility in Sparta, Michigan. He’s been with us since 2019.

“I most enjoy the environment that L&P has to offer. I like to surround myself with positivity. I also enjoy the people that I work with daily, which is important because most of your time is spent with your coworkers. Having an enjoyable atmosphere while working everyday adds value to my job. 

I am most proud of being a father — my three kids come before anything. I try to set the best example I can for them, giving back and paying it forward is something I try to do daily. Show and teach them along the way.

The celebration of achievements and contributions of Black individuals during the month of February reminds me of growth and setting that example daily. To see where we started, to learn and grow along the way is something to be proud of for anyone. But, the milestones that Black individuals accomplished is motivation to continue to strive for the top.”

“I Hope for a Bright Future with More Inclusion”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Jerry Sherrod. He is an over-the-road truck driver for L&P and has been working with us for 3 years.

“I really enjoy the travel that comes with being a truck driver for L&P. I drive hundreds of miles per day. I’m most proud of being able to do this type of work for 20 years. I’ve been Employee of the Month twice for L&P, and I’m very proud of that accomplishment.

During Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the accomplishments of Black individuals while also looking forward to the future. I hope for a bright future with more inclusion.”

“Live a Joyful Life and Make Your Surroundings Happy”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Felix Herman. He is an over-the-road truck driver for L&P and has been working with us for 7 years.

“I love working for L&P. Our leadership listens and I enjoy developing relationships with people. I like to smile and try to make people laugh. My mantra is to live a joyful life and make your surroundings happy.

I’m really proud of my commitment to safety. Safety in truck driving is very important!

February is Black History Month, and Black people have come so far. A lot has changed in the world, but there’s still progress to be made. I was raised to love and respect others, and that is my hope for others as well. Unity is needed in our country and our world. But let’s also celebrate how far we’ve come!”

Celebrating Lunar New Year in Jiaxing, China

Our team at the Home Furniture facility in Jiaxing, China, wishes everyone a happy and healthy Lunar New Year!

In China, the color red is aligned with happiness and good luck during festivals. Twelve animals rotate one by one to go along with a full Chinese Lunar Year.

For Lunar Year 2022, the guardian beast is Tiger, so the team in Jiaxing decorated with red tiger toys and wore clothes adorned with a tiger figure. “We expect the guardian beast to protect us and bring all the best to us,” explains Angela Ye, HR Director. 

The team also decorated offices with red lanterns, wishing for a prosperous new year for our employees. We are all looking forward a safe, healthy, and happy Lunar New Year holiday with our families!

Honoring Our Native American Employees

Leggett & Platt celebrates Native American Heritage Month and the vibrant culture of our Native American employees.

The month is designed to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people. It is also a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of our country.

If you identify as a Native American employee, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at social@leggett.com to share your story!

Ayudha Pooja Honors the Tools of Trade

L&P Automotive India recently celebrated Ayudha Pooja, a Hindu festival that is celebrated during the tenth day of the bright half of the moon’s cycle, or Shardiya Navratri. Translated to “worship of instruments,” the event honors the tools and equipment integral to our professions and our daily lives.

The principal goddesses worshiped during the celebration are Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother). Their teams clean, decorate, and worship the branch’s tools to destroy negative energy and to bring wealth and prosperity.

“We spray holy water, decorate, and pray to the Gods to bring good things to our factory,” said Rajeswari Subramani, Manager of Human Resources. “We always ask them for strong profits, good benefits, and for the safety of all our employees and their families.”

The following images show the care and attention they gave to creating a meaningful event for their employees.

Rangoli patterns are created indoors using brightly materials such as colored sand, stones, flower petals, food, and colored rocks. Important Hindu symbols are also displayed, such as the Ganesh which represents the wisdom and understanding that one must possess to attain perfection in life.

Tools and equipment are cleaned and polished with great care. They are then smeared with turmeric and sandalwood paste and are adorned with flowers, fruits and other decorations.

Elaborate displays of fruits, sweets, and fragrant oil lamps are arranged throughout the facility as offerings to the Gods.

Rangoli – colorful artistic patterns created on the floor – decorate the entrances to L&P’s facility. When created outdoors, they are made using colored rice flower, which serves as a humanitarian offering of food to ants and other small insects. The building is also decorated with colorful lights during the festival.

Entrances to the building are decorated and fragrant sticks are burned as they pray for increased wealth and prosperity for L&P employees. A priest also visited the facility to perform a Pooja, or traditional Hindu prayer ceremony.

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day. Did you know that more than 1 in 10 people live with a mental health condition? And likely fewer than half will seek out help or support. As we observe World Mental Health Day, we want to fight against the stigma often associated with mental health. If you’re struggling, we urge you to speak to your doctor to help you find a healthy treatment plan. You’re not alone.

Some additional ways you can care for your mental health are to talk about your feelings with a trusted individual, stay active, eat well, and do something you’re good at or enjoy.

You can read more about World Mental Health Day and find additional resources here.

It’s International Left-Handers Day!

Did you know about 10-12% of the world consists of left-handed individuals? Today we celebrate you!

L&P Recognizes Disability Pride Month

People with disabilities are the largest and most diverse minority within the population, representing all abilities, ages, genders, races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.

In honor of Disability Pride Month this July, we recognize the history, culture, and unique circumstances that people with differing abilities experience — and celebrate their contributions within our company and our communities.