What can go right when our differences unite us?
We believe our future is brighter together because our voices are diverse, our behaviors are inclusive, our actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging.
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging
“Actively gathering diverse perspectives and showing support as allies make us a stronger company and a better place to work,” says our CEO Kristof Terryn. Watch the video to hear more from our people.
How we’re working to advance progress
Our Executive Diversity and Inclusion Council guides our efforts. It includes our CEO, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion and other senior leaders, as well as representatives from customer, broker, nonprofit and employee organizations. Here are just a few of the ways we’re working to advance DIEB in our company, our industry and our communities.
Our people
Innovative inclusion programs are helping to provide equitable opportunities for career growth.
Inclusive family leave policies provide up to 12 weeks of 100% paid leave for employees welcoming a child via birth, adoption or fostering.
Training programs on allyship and unconscious bias have been offered to employees.
Pay equity analyses help ensure equitable pay for equivalent work.
Our customers, industry and communities
Our Apprenticeship Program is offering more opportunities in more locations and business areas than ever.
Additional minority-owned distributors have become part of our broker relationship program.
Grants and volunteer service to nonprofits such as Year Up in the U.S. and the United Way in Canada are helping to close the opportunity gap.
Our Supplier Diversity Program is expanding opportunities for businesses in the communities we serve.
Fostering belonging: Employee Resource Groups
Over 2,500 of our North American employees are members of at least one ERG.
ERGs host more than 70 programs a year for employees, featuring distinguished authors, members of Congress and more.
ERGs contribute to our communities through volunteering and fundraising for nonprofits. The Z Zurich Foundation matches eligible donations at 100%.
“Our Zurich African Ancestry Alliance and Women’s Innovation Network allow me to share my experiences as a black woman in today’s society and workforce.”
— Tam Flowers
“LUZ: Latinos Unidos at Zurich provides a space where I can speak about my Dominican culture and feel comfortable knowing that others will understand, or be open to understanding.”
— Christian Vargas
“My involvement with VETZ allows me to contribute to a cause that I am closely affiliated with by supporting the veteran community both within and outside of Zurich.”
— Nathan Massie
“Sharing my experiences of being an Asian American woman living in the U.S. can be scary. The Zurich Asian American Pacific Islander ERG showed me that I am not alone.”
— Michelle Chia
“Our Emerging LeaderZ employee resource group has connected me with colleagues across the country who I may not have met or worked with otherwise."
— Jeff Sink
“It has been good to find camaraderie in the company through PrideZ, but more importantly, it has brought a sense of validity and professionalism to being LGBT.”
— Freyja Farnsworth
“Members of our faith-based Good NewZ group have helped me be a better co-worker, father, husband and employee. They truly want to see me grow into the best person I can be inside and outside of Zurich. ”
— James Rawdin
“Through AbilitieZ, I met some other colleagues who also have multiple sclerosis. It feels good to not feel alone and to be able to talk and offer assistance, and receive assistance.
— Vicki Jenczmionka
“Being in the Zurich African Ancestry Alliance has made an invaluable impact on my career. I was made aware of my current role through another ZAAA member and was mentored throughout the hiring process.”
— Wendell Pinke
“Our employee resource groups, from AbilitieZ to the Zurich African Ancestry Alliance, allow each of us to be seen and heard.”
— Sonya Sutherin
"As a Native American who is active in my community and in touch with my culture, I feel passionate about creating an employee resource group to help bring awareness about my background, and I also hope to connect with others within Zurich who are indigenous to the Americas and those who are allies."
— Calvin Morrow
Awards and accolades
Our culture of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging has been recognized by many organizations and lists. They include:
- Forbes Best Employers for Diversity and Best for Women
- Military Times Best Employers for Vets
- Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s LGBTQ Corporate Equality Index
- Seramount Best Companies for working moms and dads
- Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies
- Bloomberg Gender Equality Index
“There is no finish line to this journey,” says Jeanette Kilo-Smith, Head of DIEB at Zurich North America. “To make sustained progress on DIEB, we will continue to collaborate and refine our programs and initiatives. Our commitment is as strong as ever.”
