Reckitt Benckiser's SVP of HR: 3 steps to embedding purpose in your business

Every business leader recognises the importance of creating a purpose, but it is often easier said than done.

More often than not, a new company culture or direction will be communicated internally but fails to truly be embedded among the people within the business.

However, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) managed to overcome this challenge. Deborah Yates, Senior VP of HR at the consumer goods company, explains: “Our purpose used to be to deliver shareholder value and who we were as a company was the number one household cleaner. Now, our purpose is to create innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes and who we are is a health, hygiene and home company.”

This was a dramatic transformation for the company that owns brands such as Dettol, Durex, Air Wick, Nurofen and Vanish.

Yates, who will be speaking at HR Grapevine’s annual event ‘The Magic of HR’ in March 2017, says that this success comes down to three simple steps. 


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