Employee
Development
& Engagement

CELEBRATING OUR GLOBAL CULTURE

Our guiding principle, the Golden Rule of “treating others as you would like to be treated,” applies to every employee in the 31 countries in which we operate. This foundational principle invites our workforce to share in the responsibility of safeguarding an inclusive global workplace where each individual's unique contribution is encouraged.

Cultural Diversity of Our Workforce

Our employees are located in 32 countries on 6 continents

Lincoln Electric Demographics (2023—year end)

  1. Lincoln Electric's definition of Racially & Ethnically Diverse is based on the historically underrepresented groups defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and reported through the Company's EEO-1 filing

SUPPORTING A DIVERSE GLOBAL WORKFORCE

Bringing together voices from across different cultures enables Lincoln Electric to fulfill its purpose to Operate at a Higher Standard to Build a Better World. Our leaders must be equipped to attract and support a diverse global workforce made up of employees from many different cultural backgrounds that are united for the common goal of Lincoln Electric's success.

Key programs that support our global culture include:

  • A performance management competency framework that measures how well employees value the unique differences of others and treat coworkers with respect and dignity
  • Internal education and training programs to better appreciate our differences and the value that inclusiveness brings in creating an environment of mutual respect—which reinforces our guiding principle of The Golden Rule
  • Employee development programs that build a bench of talent that enables promotion from within
  • Partnering with globally diverse customers and suppliers to understand their expectations and collaborate effectively. As a large business, Lincoln Electric has small business utilization goals just as the federal government does. These goals include use of veteran-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged businesses, and small businesses in conjunction with large government contracts.
  • Talent sourcing strategies and partnerships with external organizations that develop and supply diverse talent. This includes partnering and recruiting with associations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S.
  • Team-led, flexible work where customer, team and business needs replace rigid, top-down workplace rules. Designated remote roles that help to widen the talent net and promote a more inclusive workforce.

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

Throughout the entire employee lifecycle, Lincoln Electric focuses on supporting and developing its workforce in ways that maximize employee potential and engagement. The Employee Development peak of our High Standard Strategy is critical to our long-term success. It supports our Golden Rule core philosophy and fosters workforce management and development strategies that are rooted in inclusion and promote employee success.

Key Training & Development Programs
  • TalentLaunch: A global two-year, blended learning journey for emerging talent, TalentLaunch helps our valued Individual Contributors build relevant and foundational skills for career growth. Learning experiences and courses are aligned to our six global core competencies— emphasizing the capabilities that define how we do our best work, every day.
  • Leadership Development Program (LDP): The LDP is a challenging, and immersive two-year learning journey. The program provides 25 high-potential employees from across our global business with the opportunity to develop leadership skills that accelerate their careers and support Lincoln
  • Engineering and Technical Sales Trainee Development Program: We have a longstanding tradition of developing talent through our U.S. Engineering and Technical Sales Programs. We partner with colleges and universities to develop the pipeline of diverse talent necessary for our long-term success.
  • Skilled Trade Apprenticeships: We are committed to developing, growing, and retaining a diverse and skilled workforce through apprenticeships. Our apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job learning with related instruction in technical areas, such as Industrial Maintenance, Machining, Welding, and Tool & Die, to prepare qualified, productive employees for careers requiring precision skills. Apprenticeships equip workers with the knowledge and competencies companies need for career success.
  • Internship and Co-op Programs: We sponsor an intern and co-op program to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience while investing in their education. The program gives participants hands-on experience via multiple rotations in various departments and provides exposure to our world class Weld School, professional development, and educational seminars.
  • Middle School and High School Programs: We partner with educators and nonprofit partners to educate local middle school students about the opportunities and career pathways in the manufacturing sector. We also partner with select high schools to offer experiential training in a manufacturing environment to supplement traditional classroom learning.