Zannie Burton

As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Zannie Burton knows firsthand the importance of having access and opportunity from a young age. Now a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Burton strives to use her influence to help others. Through her work as manager of diversity equity and inclusion at The Adecco Group North America, she is able to do just that. “My focus is on internal initiatives with the goal of building a culturally aware workplace with impact,” Burton states.

Over the last few years, Burton has worked toward this goal through “Pass the Mic” sessions and “Diversity Dialogues,” which create a platform for open and honest conversations around topics such as neurodiversity, inclusion and mental health. She also developed a newsletter, titled “Moments and Milestones,” as a communication channel to keep colleagues informed about the organization’s ongoing DE&I progress.

Burton is most excited about the framework she built for developing impactful colleague resource groups, including procedures and benchmarks utilizing the 4C model of commerce, culture, community and career. This structure ensures these groups are making a meaningful impact and promoting inclusivity and diversity on a deeper level. Burton has led the development of several CRGs utilizing this simple and repeatable approach, including the TAG Up Women’s CRG, Black Colleague Network CRG and Valor, a CRG aimed toward veterans, military spouses and allies, which are currently bringing DE&I programming to The Adecco Group with a high rate of participation. On the horizon to launch this year are groups aimed toward Latinx employees and caregivers.

To have impact and drive results, you need to build your strategy around people. Are we accommodating our people? Do they feel excited to come to work every day?

Growing the number of CRGs and their impact is a top priority for Burton’s future at The Adecco Group. She is looking forward to increasing the percentage of colleagues involved in the groups and providing new opportunities to create a sense of belonging and growth. “To have impact and drive results, you need to build your strategy around people,” she says. “Are we accommodating our people? Do they feel excited to come to work every day?”

Outside of work, Burton participates in the Achieving My Potential program for high school juniors and seniors who are preparing to either enter the workforce or go to college. A trained pianist, Burton also enjoys providing piano lessons to children in marginalized communities.