Through our American Express Blue Box values of embracing diversity, standing for inclusion and supporting our communities, we strive to do business in a way that makes people’s lives better. One way we’re doing this is through our action plan to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. We exceeded the plan’s initial spending goal of $1 billion ahead of schedule and set a new goal to spend an additional $3 billion by the end of 2025. Hear from our newly appointed Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Robert Childs on how that commitment is having a direct effect on members of the larger Amex community, and learn more about the work we are doing in our latest DE&I report.
Once again, #TeamAmex earned a spot on JUST Capital's annual ranking of America’s 100 Most JUST Companies, which was released today in partnership with CNBC. The 2023 list ranks America’s largest public companies on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that define “just” business behavior. “We’re proud to be named for the fourth year in a row to Just Capital’s JUST 100 list for powerfully backing our colleagues, customers, and communities,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Chair of the American Express Foundation. “Our improved ranking is a testament to the significant progress we’ve made putting our ESG strategy into action.”
Colleagues are at the center of everything we do, and we are proud to share our 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report. As #TeamAmex, we embrace diversity and stand for inclusion, and this report provides transparency into our ongoing efforts to maintain a diverse and equitable workplace through programs and initiatives across the colleague experience, including recruitment, career growth and development, our Colleague Networks, holistic well-being benefits, flexibility with Amex Flex, and more. What really makes this report stand out are the firsthand accounts and stories from our amazing colleagues around the world. You’ll read their reflections on our strong, supportive culture and the many ways they’ve experienced the backing of American Express—both in their day-to-day lives and in the moments that matter most. Learn how #TeamAmex strives every day to build on our strong inclusive culture, create a sense of belonging, and support colleagues personally and professionally.
We’re proud to be named to Seramount, part of EAB's 2022 Inclusion Index which underscores #TeamAmex’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Our colleagues are critical to our success and they are the driving force to the impact we make in people’s lives and the communities we serve. We remain committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming culture where they feel they belong, that their contributions are highly valued and that their voices are heard.
We believe that building the strongest Team Amex starts with hiring people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We partnered up with Multiverse, a mission-driven organization that builds modern apprenticeship programs for talent that have the skills and qualifications for a role, but who may not have a 4-year degree. Caisey Jefferson Kakascik, Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion discusses the importance of the partnership and how it helps to foster a diverse culture.
We’re proud to back our #TeamAmex colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being through each stage of their life. This week, American Express was recognized by Seramount on both its 100 Best Companies and Best Companies for Dads lists for 2022, which recognizes companies for cultivating family-friendly workplace cultures. David Kasiarz, Executive Vice President, Colleague Total Rewards & Well-being and Executive Sponsor of our Families@Amex network says: “So many colleagues play critical roles in the day-to-day lives of their loved ones. I’d encourage all parents and caregivers to lean into the backing, flexibility and community we have at Amex—it’s here for you in good and challenging times.”
In a wide-ranging interview with Human Resource Executive, our Chief Colleague Experience Officer, Monique Herena discusses the career path she would have taken if she hadn’t pursued human resources, her biggest influences, and #TeamAmex’s vision for the colleague experience. She says, “We pride ourselves on offering a compelling colleague value proposition that includes meaningful work and many opportunities to grow throughout their career, a flexible and inclusive culture with a strong sense of belonging, and competitive pay and benefits to support their holistic wellbeing—their mental, physical and financial health. At its core, our value proposition places our colleagues at the center of everything we do.”
Amex Flex, American Express’ new way of working, is garnering strong satisfaction rates among our colleagues, according to recent surveys we conducted of our colleagues in both the US and UK. With Amex Flex, colleagues can work at home, in the office, or take a hybrid approach that combines both. Months into the launch of our new work model, 90% of respondents say they are very satisfied or satisfied with Amex Flex, and 87% of respondents feel supported in their career development. “We are encouraged to see that Amex Flex is having such a positive impact on our colleagues’ lives, both personally and professionally,” says Monique Herena, Chief Colleague Experience Officer. “Across the survey results, it was clear that colleagues value our flexible culture and the support and tools available to help them grow their careers no matter where they’re working from.”
Our culture of innovation has earned us a place on Fast Company's 2022 list of Best Workplaces for Innovators. For this year's fourth annual list, American Express is being recognized for fostering a culture of innovation, making efforts to invest in colleagues, creating a culture where all employees feel empowered to innovate by embracing diversity and inclusion, and launching innovations from surprising sources in the organization. One of those innovations was the creation and growth of the global education platform Business Class – all to help small businesses do more business. We spoke to Clayton F. Ruebensaal, Executive Vice President of Global B2B Marketing at American Express, about how Business Class is meeting small business owners where they are today and how the team's dedication made it happen.
We’re thrilled to receive a 2022 Handshake Early Talent Award, which honors top employers for helping to launch careers with best-in-class talent engagement and support. Congratulations to the American Express Global Recruitment Team who are committed to backing our newest talent as they begin their career journeys and ensuring they have a great experience every day. We can’t wait to watch our amazing interns and students learn, grow and lead with #TeamAmex.
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