REVEALED: The world’s most ethical companies

The Ethisphere Institute has revealed 2021’s most ethical companies. 

A total of 135 companies have earned the coveted recognition as the World’s Most Ethical Companies this year, representing 22 countries and 47 industries. The recognition honours companies who understand the importance of leading, making hard but values-based decisions, and commitment to integrity.  

All 135 companies have demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices through programmes that positively impact employees, communities and broader stakeholders; and contribute to sustainable and profitable long-term business performance, confirmed Ethisphere. This year, the process was streamlined and the questions set expanded to gauge how applicants are adapting and responding to the global health pandemic, environmental, social and governance factors, safety, equity, and inclusion and social justice.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO ETHICS & INTEGRITY

“While addressing the tough challenges of 2020, we saw companies lead – above all other institutions – on earning the trust of stakeholders through resilience and a commitment to ethics and integrity,” stated  Ethisphere’s CEO Timothy Erblich. “The World’s Most Ethical Companies honourees continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the highest values and positively impacting the communities they serve.” 

This year, nine companies are first-time honourees, while six have been recognised 15 times, every year since the awards were created back in 2007. Ecolab  is one of the companies that has been recognised as the World’s Most Ethical Company every year since its inception.

“It’s an honour to be named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 15th consecutive year; a recognition that reflects Ecolab’s values to act with integrity no matter the circumstances,” stated Christophe Beck, President and CEO of Ecolab. “I’m proud to lead a company where associates are committed to doing what’s right, every single day; and know that ethical operations are foundational to our long-term success.”

OPEN & ACCOUNTABLE CULTURES

International Paper has also been honoured for the 15th consecutive year; and one of only two honourees in the forestry, paper and packaging industry to have earned the coveted title this year. “This is a major milestone for International Paper. Our team members around the world work tirelessly to support ethics as a core value. We act honestly and operate with integrity and respect; and we promote a culture of openness and accountability,” said International Paper General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Sharon Ryan. “We are honoured to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for a 15th straight year.”

For the 14th consecutive year, JLL has been recognised for its commitment to improve communities; build capable and empowered workforces; and foster a corporate culture focused on ethics and a strong sense of purpose. It is one of only four firms to be awarded the title in the real estate industry. “We are honoured to be included in the Ethisphere Institute’s 2021 list of World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 14th consecutive year,” commented JLL’s Global Chief Legal Officer Alan Tse. “Ethics is one of JLL’s core values and we take pride in this external recognition of the strength of our programme and the commitment of our leaders.”

REPUTABLE STRONG VALUES

Kellogg Company has received the coveted title for the 13th time since Ethisphere began the rankings. The company is one of only seven honourees in the food, beverage and agriculture category. “Consumers support companies that make decisions with their values and reputation in mind,” stated Kellogg Company Chairman and CEO Steve Cahillane. “Kellogg works every day to create a good and just world where everyone has a place at the table. We’re proud that Ethisphere recognises this and consumers continue to trust and enjoy our iconic foods.”

“Our company has a legacy of integrity and doing what’s right,” added Gary Pilnick, Kellogg Company’s Vice Chairman, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer. “We continue to nurture our values-based, ethical performance culture and evolve our Code of Ethics to ensure it reflects the world we live in. We are proud to be recognised by Ethisphere again this year.”

Rockwell Automation has also been honoured as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th time this year. “We’re honoured to once again receive this recognition from Ethisphere,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation. “Our commitment to integrity is a foundational element of our culture, ingrained in everything we do. And that culture is shaped by great employees who can and want to do their best work.”

KEEPING STAFF SAFE & ENGAGED

HR services provider Paychex has also received the honour 13 times, with 10 consecutive wins going back to 2012. “Our commitment to ethical business practices is foundational, and it has been for the 50 years we’ve been in business,” commented Paychex President and CEO Martin Mucci. “During the past year, our employees, our clients and our business were challenged beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. But our values-based culture helped us meet those challenges head-on. We kept our employees safe and engaged; provided our clients with the HR resources and support they needed to address the myriad of challenges presented by the pandemic; and responded with agility to keep our company strong for investors.”

According to the company’s Chief Ethics Officer Stephanie Schaeffer, Paychex has embarked on several initiatives over the past year to strengthen its position as a leader in corporate social responsibility. “We continue to drive our CSR programme forward, with a focus on climate-related issues on the sustainability front; and diversity, equity and inclusion on the people side,” explained Schaeffer. “This responsibility is something we take incredibly seriously. Not only because it’s important to our employees, clients and investors, but because it’s the right thing to do.”

Parsons Corporation has received the coveted title for the 12th consecutive year. “We believe our commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards contributes to our success as we aim to deliver a better world,” stated Chuck Harrington, Chief Executive Officer of Parsons. “This award recognises our teams across the world, and their unwavering commitment to integrity and our other core values as we transform and grow our business across multiple markets and geographies. We are proud to share this award, for the 12th year in a row, with the 15,500 dedicated employees who continued to put ethical performance at the core of our business.”

EMPATHY & RESPECT COUNTS

The Timken Company also earned a spot among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 11th time. Timken is among just eight companies honoured in the industrial manufacturing category. “This recognition reflects the ethical mindset of our 17,000-plus global associates and our ongoing commitment to growing our collective knowledge, advancing our sustainability efforts and promoting leadership inside and outside of our company,” stated Timken’s President and Chief Executive Officer Richard G Kyle. “We apply our engineering and systems thinking to not only our products and services, but also how we support our communities as a global industrial leader.”

Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, has been awarded the title for the tenth consecutive year.  It is the only insurance broker to be given the honour this year. “We are truly honoured to again be recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies,” said Patrick J Gallagher, Jr, Chairman, President and CEO. “Since 1927, we have had a unique culture rooted in integrity, empathy and respect which is the heart of our entire organisation. In an extraordinary year, 2020 brought more change than anyone could have anticipated. But it did not change our values and ethics, which are crucially important to our customers. Today’s announcement highlights our commitment to making people, communities and businesses a priority and helps them face their future with confidence.”

CONSISTENT COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY

Residential real estate services provider Realogy also celebrates a decade as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. “Celebrating 10 years as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is an incredible distinction and a milestone achievement for Realogy’s employees who demonstrate our commitment to ethics every day,” noted Realogy Chief Executive Officer and President Ryan Schneider. “This designation is especially meaningful following such an extraordinary year; and I am so proud of how our employees continued to uphold our values as they supported our affiliated agents, franchise owners, consumers, and each other in helping keep America moving with integrity above all else.”

Adding to his comments, Realogy’s Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Shacara Delgado, added: “Even as we navigated change and disruption in an unprecedented year, Realogy employees stayed true to our values and operate with the same unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity that we’ve demonstrated for 10 consecutive years. This year’s acknowledgement honours the lasting and consistent commitment we’ve made over the years to ensure integrity is part of who we are at Realogy.”

ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES

This year marks global coffee company illycaffè’s ninth consecutive year as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. “Maintaining and promoting strong ethics and values are essential to affecting positive change throughout our global society, as is recognising the private sector’s essential role in creating a world that is more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable now and for generations to come,” stated Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè. 

“One of our current major focus is reducing our environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain, one meaningful, measurable step at a time, with the ultimate goal to be carbon neutral by 2033,” added Illy. “We are proud to be recognised by the Ethisphere Institute for our stewardship and commitment to ethical business practices; and thank them for their continued role in inspiring companies to be and do their best for the world.”

The Ethisphere Institute has recognised 3M for ethics and integrity in business conduct and compliance for the eighth straight year. 3M is one of only eight industrial companies worldwide to be honoured this year. “Acting with unwavering integrity is a critical component of 3M’s culture and guides how 3M does business,” stated Michael Duran, Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of 3M. “In these challenging times, I am especially proud of the more than 90,000 3Mers who every day live 3M values and protect our reputation. This honour and our success as a company belongs to them.”

TESTAMENT TO EMPLOYEES

TIAA, the leading provider of financial services in the academic, research, medical, cultural and government field, received its seventh consecutive annual recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies this year. “For over a century, TIAA has been committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people to behave ethically and rewards them for their integrity,” stated David Nason, Chief Legal, Risk and Compliance Officer for TIAA. “This honour, received now for the seventh year in a row, is a true testament to employees around the world who act with our clients’ best interest in mind.”

TE Connectivity has also been recognised as the World’s Most Ethical Company for seven years in a row; and is one of only two 2021 honourees in the electronics and components industry. “We hold ourselves and our partners to the highest of ethical standards as we work toward our purpose of creating a safer, sustainable, productive and connected world with our technology,” said TE Connectivity’s CEO Terrence Curtin. “I am proud of our team’s consistent commitment to our ethics; and I am honoured that Ethisphere has once again recognised us for our efforts.”

FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY 

Lincoln Electric has received this distinction for four consecutive years; and is the only honouree in the machine tools and accessories industry. “We are proud to operate by a higher standard with a longstanding commitment to integrity and ethics in all that we do,” commented Lincoln Electric’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher L Mapes. “Our guiding principle is The Golden Rule and it has shaped our business and the trust we have earned from all of our stakeholders. We are honoured that our team’s unwavering perseverance and commitment to our values was recognised by Ethisphere again this year.”

For three years straight, Sweden’s Elekta has also been named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. “Elekta prides itself on consistently striving to do the right thing – our employees, customers and, most importantly, people living with cancer are counting on us,” said Caroline Mofors, SVP Chief Compliance and Integrity Officer of Elekta. “This award confirms for all stakeholders that we are succeeding and making a substantial contribution to society in a responsible way. This is the third time Elekta has been recognised for its corporate transparency, fairness, ethics and compliance programme.”

It’s not the first time since Eaton has been recognised as the World’s Most Ethical Company either. “It’s a privilege to have once again been named one of the world’s most ethical companies,” expressed Craig Arnold, Chairman and CEO of Eaton. “This recognition reflects the commitment of our 92,000 employees who serve all our stakeholders with uncompromising integrity and dedication to our mission to improve the quality of life and the environment.”

COMMITTED TO ETHICAL STANDARDS

Infosys is one of only four honourees in the software and services Industry globally, and one of the only three honourees in India to receive this award. “We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the Ethisphere Institute,” stated Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Infosys. “Flawless execution with integrity and compliance is the cornerstone of our continued success, and we firmly believe that an integrity-based approach greatly influences business success. Infosys’ core values are the foundation on which we have built our success over the years. This acknowledgement further encourages us to stay committed to operate with high ethical standards and transparency, especially in these unprecedented times.”

Thai-Based conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group has also been recognised as the World’s Most Ethical Company for the first time this year; and it’s just one of seven honourees in the food, beverage and agriculture industry. Commenting on being included in this year’s listing, Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, stated: “Integrity has been embedded into our DNA and is the foundation for our ethics since we were founded 100 years ago. Being recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is a true honour. We’re still on a journey and I am greatly appreciative of the collective efforts of all our employees.”

WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

Other companies that have earned the title this year include AARP; Accenture; ADM; AECOM; Aflac; Allianz; Aptive; Arm; AT&T; Avangrid; Avista; Avon; Baptist Health South Florida; Best Buy; Blue California; BMO; Booz Allen Hamilton; Cambia; Canon; Capgemini; Capital Power; CareFirst; CBRE; Cementos Progresso; CP Group; Cleveland Clinic; Colgate-Palmolive Company; Cooper Standard; Covenant Health; Cummins; Cuna Mutial Group; Dell Technologies; DTGO; EDP; Edwards; Lilly; Fifth Third Bank; Fresnillo; Frontera Energy; GM; Genpact; Grupo Bimbo; Hanes Brands Inc; Hasbro; HCA Healthcare; HCSC; Henry Schein; Hewlett Packard; Honeywell; HP; Hubbell; Iberdrola; Ingredion; Intel; IBM; John Deere; Johnson Controls; Kaiser Permanente; Kao; Kimberly-Clark; Kohl’s; L’Oreal; Leidos; Lincoln Electric; Linde; LinkedIn; Lonza; ManpowerGroup; MassMutual; Mastercard; Microsoft; Mikkiken; National Grid; Natura; Nextera Energy; Noblis; Nokia; NWG Living Water; Northwell Health; Old National Bank; ON Semiconductor; Oshkosh; OTE; Owens Corning; Pacific Life; Pepsico; Orlen; Premier; Principal; Prudential; Royal Caribbean Group; Salesforce; Schneider Electric; Schnitzer; Sertecpet; Sony; Starbucks; Tata Steel; Teacher Mutual Bank Ltd; Teradata; AES; Allstate; Metrohealth; Thrivent; US Bank; University Hospital; UNUM; UPMC; VFC; VISA; Vizient; Voya Financial; WM; Western Digital; Weyerhaeuser; Connor; Wipro; Workday and Xcel Energy.

INSPIRING & INNOVATIVE

“We continue to be inspired by the actions and initiatives of the World’s Most Ethical Companies honourees. Leadership by this group of companies is a reason that business – above all other institutions – was most trusted during the challenging times of 2020,” stated Ethisphere’s Erblich. “Honourees integrate ethics and values with corporate strategy. They speak up, are transparent, take action, and look for innovative ways to make a difference. We congratulate their efforts.”

Ethisphere’s 2021 Ethics Index, the collection of publicly-traded companies recognised as recipients of this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies designation, outperformed a comparable index of large capital companies by 7.1 percentage points over the past five years. 

“The outperformance, which we refer to as the ‘Ethics Premium’ has remained consistent since we began tracking the equity performance of honouree companies. We believe this outperformance is the result of the kinds of practices that lead a company to be on our list – practices that demonstrate investment in their people, in their culture, and in their communities. We see in this data that those practices, over time, lead to stronger financial performance,” Erblich added. “As evidenced by this continued outperformance, ethics is good for business.” 

Ethisphere will host a Virtual Honouree Gala on 20 April 2021 where Make-A-Wish CEO, Richard K Davis, will deliver the keynote address. Click here for more information.