Zurich earns spot in 2019 Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index

Zurich North America has earned a place in the 2019 Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index, which is based on an analysis of companies’ data on their diversity and inclusion practices.

Nearly 150 companies submitted applications for the index, a 17% increase year over year. Zurich emerged as one of 80 companies to achieve a 60% or higher rating for diversity and inclusion efforts in the index’s three areas:

• Transparency around demographic diversity
• Company culture, including leadership accountability
• Best practices in recruitment, retention and advancement of people in underrepresented groups (e.g., women, racial-ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ)

This year, the Working Mother Research Institute, which evaluates companies for the Diversity Best Practices (DBP) Inclusion Index, placed greater emphasis on assessing workplace demographics, particularly at more senior levels. The increase in applications made the 2019 index more competitive than in the previous two years.

Companies submitted metrics such as the percentage of their employees at various job levels and income levels by gender and race. Data on promotions, employee resources (such as formal mentoring) and diversity-related benefits also were collected. Metrics on supplier diversity and philanthropic giving were among the factors assessed.

“We are honored to be included in the 2019 Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index,” said Laura Rock, Chief Human Resources Officer for Zurich North America. “Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture helps us think more innovatively and work more collaboratively. Not only does this help us create an organization where each of us feels like we belong, it also allows us to be simply better at delivering for our customers.” 

The DBP Inclusion Index application period was between December 2018 and March 2019. The Company Culture section and the Best Practices in Recruitment, Retention and Advancement section were each weighted 33%. The Demographics/Transparency section was weighted 34%. In addition to receiving credit for submitting data in this section, applicants this year had the opportunity to earn more points for higher levels of diverse representation at more senior levels, and in the areas of hiring and promotions.

The index is designed to help organizations identify gaps and progress on diversity and inclusion. Zurich North America employees share some of our D&I-related practices in the short video above.