Employee Spotlight: Calvin Harris on Fostering Belonging and Unity in the Workplace
Reflecting on his first day with the City in the Division of Sewers and Drainage, Calvin Harris recalls a moment that left a lasting impression. “I walked into the back area of the building where the trucks are and saw all of my employees scattered in groups: all the white employees were together on one side, the Hispanic employees in the middle, and a Black employee sat alone at the end of a lunch table. It was startling to see this in 2002.”
This experience became pivotal for Harris, and he promised himself that if he ever had the opportunity to take on a leadership role, he would change that culture.
When Harris assumed the role of Commissioner of Sewer and Drainage Services, he was determined to make good on his promise to foster unity within the team. One of his first initiatives was gathering the scattered lunch tables from around the building and arranging them in a central location. This seemingly small change went beyond logistics; it symbolized his vision of a workplace built on camaraderie and inclusivity. Harris wanted relationships to flourish without barriers, telling his team, “We need to sit together.”
As he continued to lead with purpose, Harris focused on fostering a sense of belonging among his colleagues. “The one thing I want people to understand is that, to me, a sense of belonging means knowing I can bring the people I love and appreciate to work. I have dedicated employees, and I want everyone here to feel like they belong,” he said.
Harris’ approach is about ensuring that every employee feels valued and included. His leadership philosophy extends beyond policies and practices; it’s deeply rooted in his understanding of the challenges employees face. “Whenever I think we’re doing everything right, something comes up that shows we can improve,” he said.
He prioritizes listening to feedback, making sure employees know he understands their struggles and is dedicated to their well-being.
Harris believes that making people feel valued is essential to a thriving workplace. For him, a sense of belonging goes hand in hand with the idea that everyone’s contribution matters.
“Belonging means caring for everyone, regardless of their role,” he said. “We have employees who genuinely care about their coworkers, and those are the people I want to help spread positivity.” Even in the face of negativity, Harris is dedicated to understanding its root causes and ensuring that everyone feels included.
Outside of work, Calvin is a devoted family man with three children: a 26-year-old daughter, a son nearing 30, and a 15-year-old still navigating her path. He draws inspiration from his family, striving to create an environment where his children feel they can belong and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Looking back on his career, Harris sees that success isn’t solely about financial gain. “It starts with wanting more for yourself—not just monetarily, but in life. You need to seek understanding and surround yourself with positive people who will help you grow,” he said. “When you reach those goals, you want to work even harder to maintain that success because of the people who believed in you along the way.”
Calvin Harris has seen significant changes in both the City and his workplace over the course of his 49 years. His firsthand experiences have fueled his commitment to creating an inclusive community. Growing up near Scott High School in the central city area has shaped his dedication to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.
Harris’s leadership embodies a deep commitment to ensuring that everyone feels included. By breaking down barriers and encouraging connection, he continues to pave the way for a brighter future for the City of Toledo, one lunch hour at a time.
