We all have a right to feel safe, welcomed and heard

Note: Below is an email I sent to my Otis colleagues in regards to social injustices happening in the U.S. and around the world.

Dear Colleagues,

I have watched – with sadness and anger – the events unfolding in the U.S., and now around the world, which have highlighted the inequalities and injustices experienced by people of color recently and throughout our history. This comes on the heels of a global pandemic, where we are facing the worst public health crisis in a century and must come to terms with systemic disparities that have left vulnerable communities around the world in a precarious state.

Here is what I know for sure: the pain many of our colleagues feel is real. We can rise or fall together, and we are determined to rise. 

As an Otis family, we have committed to be our best, but we are not seeing the world at its best. Our strength is in our diversity. We help people connect and thrive across cultures, genders, races and generations as we reflect the world we live and work in. Our shared beliefs – we are many voices, we are better together, we believe in us – are more than just words. These statements and beliefs are the pillars we stand and rise on, along with our Absolutes, every day and especially in times of challenges. By encouraging and honoring individual voices, we find innovative solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow.

Never has this been more important.

We have the opportunity to model the world we want to create by living our shared values. We will not tolerate behaviors that divide us, but instead, we will unite against injustice. Together, let’s actively support each other and the communities around us, let’s participate in open conversations, and let’s encourage all voices to be heard.

We all have a right to feel safe, welcomed and heard.

Please stay safe and take care of each other.

Judy Marks

President & CEO