Diageo North America Recognized for Empowering Women in the Workplace
Beverage Leader Honored by National Association for Female Executives for Fifth Time
NORWALK, Conn., March 4, 2016 /3BL Media/ Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has been named one of the 2016 “Top 60 Companies for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). As one of the country’s largest associations for women professionals and business owners, NAFE releases the list annually to honor American corporations that identify, promote and nurture successful women. This is the fifth year NAFE has named Diageo to Top Companies list.
“As part of Diageo’s commitment to diversity in the workplace, we work to create an environment where talented female employees feel fulfilled professionally and personally,” said Deirdre Mahlan, President, Diageo North America. “Many of Diageo’s successes can be attributed to the contributions of women who craft our products and drive our business forward, and we strive to inspire, nurture and advance women throughout our organization. Diageo congratulates all of the NAFE Top 60 Companies for Executive Women, and we are honored to be among such an esteemed group.”
Diageo offers a variety of flexible working arrangements including job share, flextime, compressed hours and opportunities to work from home. The company subsidizes back-up daycare and adult/elder care, matches employees’ flexible spending accounts for dependent care, reimburses a percentage of the cost for in vitro and fertility treatments and provides financial assistance and family leave for employees who have completed the legal process of adoption. Pregnant women and new moms can take advantage of nutritional education, smoking cessation programs and access to private pumping rooms for nursing mothers. Programs for employees with tweens/teens include college preparation and placement assistance as well as counseling for family issues, substance abuse and emotional support.
Many Diageo office locations offer on-site timesaving services such as a health club and dry cleaning drop-off/pickup, and all employees have access to a concierge service. Diageo values its employees’ commitments outside the office and, consequently, grants employees up to five days per year of paid time off to volunteer. The company also supports new ideas and encourages feedback from employees, particularly parents who face unique challenges.
Additionally, to attract and retain a diverse workforce, Diageo offers career development programs at every level. These programs provide coaching initiatives to help employees succeed in their careers. To supplement the efforts of such programs, Diageo’s Spirited Women’s Network employee resource group hosts regular networking events and career talks by female Diageo executives to inspire other employees and promote diversity efforts within the company.
“I am happy to report that female representation in senior management positions continues to inch up at the NAFE Top Companies,” says Dr. Betty Spence, NAFE President. “Though progress of women into senior positions has slowed nationally, the 2016 NAFE Top Companies are leading the way in moving women in power positions where they have the influence to innovate and boost profits.”
The 2016 NAFE Top Companies application includes some 200 questions on female representation at all levels, especially the corporate officer and profit-and-loss ranks. The vetting process includes tracking access and usage of programs and policies that promote the advancement of women as well as the training and accountability of managers in relation to the number of women who advance. In order to be eligible for the NAFE Top Companies survey, entrants must have a minimum of 1,000 employees, two women on the Board of Directors and be a public or private company.
Subha V. Barry, Vice President and General Manager, Working Mother Media, says, “The NAFE Top Companies are where women are increasingly making the decisions that affect their company’s future and its bottom line. They are setting standards for advancing women into positions to lead businesses, set policy and take profit-and-loss responsibility.”
The full list of this year’s winners is posted on www.workingmother.com and on www.nafe.com.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
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