DiversityInc has revealed the names of the Top 50 Companies excelling in diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the US.
The Top 50 list, published yearly since 2001 by DiversityInc, recognises the nation’s top companies for D&I strategies and management. The Top 50 Companies and their rankings were announced at a virtual event on 6th May. Hilton won the top spot in this year’s list. Accenture came second, followed Eli Lilly and Company, Abbott, Mastercard, Comcast NBCUniversal, Toyota, ADP and TIAA.
With more than 1,800 participants, the diversity rankings are based on company-submitted data in six key areas. They include senior leadership accountability, talent programmes, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity. The list is based on data from a survey with more than 200 questions, which tracks and connects human capital outcomes with best practices used to promote the advancement of underrepresented groups in the workplace such as women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and veterans.
HILTON SECURES TOP SPOT FOR D&I
International hotel chain Hilton ranks number 1 on DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It secured the top spot after releasing new D&I commitments and publicly sharing diversity data. This award marks the company’s seventh consecutive year on the list; which highlights the nation’s top companies that hire, develop, retain and promote a broadly diverse workforce.
“Conrad Hilton founded this company on the belief that travel could be a bridge to world peace,” stated Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. “Today’s recognition is evidence that our hospitality has the ability to create greater understanding and unite communities; and I’m so proud of the inclusive workplace our team members have built together.”
Hilton recently announced its plans to increase gender and ethnic diversity in leadership roles; with a focus on the future as the pace of hiring within the industry picks up. The hospitality leader has committed to achieve global gender parity; and 25% ethnic diversity at its corporate leadership levels in the US by 2027. Additionally, it has established region-specific diversity goals for hotel leadership.
Embracing the power of inclusion
“We are incredibly proud and honoured to receive this recognition from DiversityInc,” added Laura Fuentes, Executive Vice President and Chief HR Officer of Hilton. “Our progress on this journey is thanks to our team members and the community they have helped us build. They have embraced the power of inclusion and make Hilton a great place to work for all. We’re so humbled by this honour, which means more than ever this year; and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
Hilton is also rated by DiversityInc as a ‘Top Company’ on a record 12 specialty lists. They include Latino Executives (number 2); Mentoring (number 3); Philanthropy (number 3); Native American/Pacific Islander Executives (number 3); Executive Diversity Councils (number 5); People with Disabilities (number 6); Board of Directors (number 6); Sponsorship (number 7); Employee Resource Groups (number 8); Veterans (number 10), Asian American Executives (12); and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG).
Advancing inclusion for a decade
While Hilton has been actively focused on creating programmes and initiatives to advance D&I for more than a decade, the company has taken additional actions during the past year to advance its inclusive culture. This includes expanding the scope of its eight team member resource groups as a place for building community and allyship; while also serving as an important source of insights and perspectives for the business. It also launched Courageous Conversations; a global conversation series featuring internal and external thought leaders to explore elements of allyship, equity and inclusion.
In addition, the hotel chain is partnering with minority-focused organisations and HBCUs to build a diverse pipeline of talent. It is also creating new leadership development programmes designed to develop diverse leaders at both the corporate and hotel levels of the organisation.
Hilton has also been named the number one Best Big Company to Work For in the US; number 3 Best Company to Work For in the US; and has achieved top rankings in Argentina (number 1), Canada (number 1), China (number 1), Turkey (number 1), United Kingdom (number 1), Peru (number 2), Italy (number 5), Saudi Arabia (number 5), Colombia (number 6) and Spain (number 7) by Great Place to Work. The Human Rights Campaign scored the company a rating of 100% for the eighth year. The company was also recognised by Latina Style and Military Friendly, amongst others, for its D&I efforts this year.
TOYOTA STAYS IN TOP 10 FOR DIVERSITY
Toyota ranks 7th on this year’s list; and is the only automotive manufacturer ranked in the Top 10 this year. “The past year was unlike any other we’ve faced, yet Toyota’s fundamentals remain the same. Who we are and the way in which we navigate the toughest times are reflected in our core values of acting for others; showing respect for people and the quest for continuous improvement,” stated Toyota Motor North America’s Chief Diversity Officer and Chief Legal Officer Sandra Phillips Rogers. “These results reflect the strong commitment and collaboration of our employees across the company. We would not be where we are today without their efforts.”
Toyota is also recognised as a top company in six DiversityInc specialty lists including Top Company for Environmental, Social and Governance; diversity leader in LGBTQ employees (number 9); Black executives (number 12); the hiring of women of colour; Top Company for Executive Diversity Councils (number 2); etc.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CORE TO TIAA
This is TIAA’s ninth consecutive year on DiversityInc’s Top 50 list; and its second consecutive year in the top 10 companies. This year it ranks number 9. This achievement recognises TIAA’s longstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity its clients. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the core of everything we do; especially when it comes to serving our clients and how we value our associates,” stated Sean Woodroffe, Chief People Officer at TIAA. “This became more important than ever as we navigated through the unprecedented events of the last year. We appreciate that we are at our very best when these core principles are universally adhered.”
TIAA was also recognised on “Top Company” specialty lists for ESG, Black Executives; Talent Acquisition for Women of Color; and Executive Diversity Councils. The company recently welcomed Thasunda Brown Duckett to succeed Roger Ferguson as President and CEO of the firm. Thasunda has been a leading voice in the need to close the wealth gap between Black and White Americans, and was the executive sponsor of JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways; an initiative aimed at helping Black Americans close historical achievement gaps. She is now the second Black woman to currently lead a Fortune 500 company; and is continuing to champion TIAA’s DE&I efforts.
How TIAA’s efforts uplift and support employees
“TIAA has made diversity, equity and inclusion a cornerstone of its culture. Now, more than ever, companies need to create cultures where employees can bring their true, authentic selves to work and be supported by their peers and mentors,” said Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA. “Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is not only the right thing to do, but also what’s best for the long-term health of our business.”
Following the murder of George Floyd, TIAA launched Be the Change; a new programme created to uplift the firm’s employees and communities through dialogue, education and engagement. Despite associates shifting to remote work as a result of Covid-19, TIAA hosted a variety of virtual events to further its mission. More than 1,000 people joined TIAA’s Be the Change Race Against Racism to raise awareness around injustice and inequality, alongside other community/health initiatives.
Supporting communities and diverse suppliers
For example, TIAA launched its Summer of Service programme, which provided associates with virtual opportunities to engage in their communities and support those impacted by Covid-19. It also provided educational enrichment and enhanced financial acumen programmes through tutoring and mentoring students; as well as providing educational materials to disadvantaged students and teachers in communities where TIAA associates work and live. Employees volunteered their time to help nonprofits solve organisational challenges; and were also able to earn grant money on behalf of nonprofits for volunteering in their communities.
TIAA’s robust Supplier Diversity Programme endeavours to develop strong working relationships with suppliers owned by minorities; women; veterans; disabled people; and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Its investment in diverse supplier development continues through mentoring programmes, webinars, and scholarships; as well as support for clients to operate in more environmentally and social responsible ways.
DOW CONTINUES TO STRENTHEN D&I
Dow has advanced to number 19 on this year’s list; and has been on the list for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the company’s continued actions to strengthen D&I across the organisation. Dow is also included on three of DiversityInc’s specialty lists; 2nd on Top Companies for Employee Resource Groups; number 13 on Top Companies for People with Disabilities; and is one of the Top Companies for ESG.
“Our commitment to inclusion and diversity has allowed us to navigate through challenging times with increased employee engagement, faster decision making and enhanced innovation,” commented Jim Fitterling, Chairman and CEO of Dow. “Dow’s placement on the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list is a recognition of our progress; and it motivates us to do even better because it allows us to be measured among the best.”
While facing multiple crises including a global pandemic, unprecedented weather events and social justice challenges, Dow tapped into the power of its 10 global employee resource groups; which were a driving force of productivity and engagement throughout 2020. They have also accelerated the company’s progress across a number of business priorities.
“On behalf of Team Dow, we are honoured to be recognised by DiversityInc for the deliberate efforts we have taken to build an inclusive culture and capture the unique benefits of our diverse workforce,” added Karen S Carter, Chief Inclusion Officer and Chief Human Resources Office for Dow. “There’s still more work to do; and we are committed to driving equity and accelerating change; for Team Dow, for our customers, suppliers, communities and all stakeholders.”
HALL OF FAME FOR MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Additionally, Marriott International has been named to this year’s DiversityInc Hall of Fame; becoming the first and only hospitality company to achieve this distinction. The DiversityInc Hall of Fame list recognises companies that are driven, based on company-submitted data in six key areas. These include leadership accountability; human capital diversity metrics; talent programmes; workforce practices; supplier diversity; and philanthropy.
“Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a business imperative that has proven to be even more relevant in the most challenging times,” stated Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International. “It inspires a culture of engaged associates who live our core values; and take care of our communities, our guests and each other. We are incredibly honoured to join the DiversityInc Hall of Fame.”
Steadfast culture of belonging and respect
“Marriott International’s foundation is built upon the wellbeing of our associates; and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion is critical to keeping our legacy vibrant for future generations,” added Dr David Rodriguez, EVP and Global Chief Human Resources Officer of Marriott International. “As we join the DiversityInc Hall of Fame, our work doesn’t end. Our commitment to ensure a culture of belonging and respect for all associates remains steadfast.”
Marriott consistently champions DE&I and is recognised for its talent development programmes; with a long list of notable and lifetime achievement awards. These include Working Mother 100 Best Companies Quarter-Century Club and Hall of Fame; Black Enterprise Best Companies for Diversity; a repeat LATINA Style Company of the Year, Asia Society Best Companies for Asian Pacific Americansl National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Top 10 Companies for Executive Women and Hall of Fame; National Organization on Disability (NOD) Leading Disability Employer; AAPD and Disability:IN DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion; a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For each year since inception of the list in 1998; and a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for many years.
For more information on this year’s lists, click here. Check out 2020’s top 50 US Companies excelling in diversity and inclusion, here.
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