diversity, equity, and inclusion
Our diverse workforce and culture encourage opportunity, equity, and inclusion for all, which is a tremendous asset that sets us apart. Our talented employees bring perspectives from numerous races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, ages, religions/spiritualities, nationalities, and socioeconomic statuses. An inclusive workplace teaches us to embrace different ways of doing, thinking, and being. It opens our eyes to new relationships, fresh perspectives, and compelling ideas.
Our Employees
72%
Women1
51%
Ethnically Diverse2
Our Management3
31%
Ethnically Diverse2
1. In North America
2. In the US
3. Management is defined as employees with direct reports.
13,000+
employees participated in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops.
78%
of employees say we have a work environment that is accepting of diverse backgrounds and ways of thinking4.
8
new Employee Resource Groups created in 2021.
4. 2021 Global Engagement Survey
LEADERSHIP
Our Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), Mignon Early, is focused on supporting the advancement of our key DE&I objectives in alignment with our global Inclusion and diversity work so that all of our employees feel safe, welcome, cherished, and celebrated.
At Fresenius Medical Care North America, DE&I is more than campaigns and initiatives — it is a lived experience that must be part of our forever journey. Mignon is supported by our DE&I Council, a diverse group of employees who provide regular input on our continued efforts to build a more trusting and inclusive culture. She also leads our DE&I Executive Committee, composed of employees from various teams and backgrounds who help lead and execute projects supporting our goals.
Employee Resource Groups
One of the ways we foster a diverse and supportive environment is by providing employees the opportunity to form and join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs enable employees with similar interests, goals, social and cultural backgrounds, or experiences to come together for professional and personal development, discussion, activities, and peer support. Our ERGs are open to all and are as beneficial for members as they are for our culture. Our current list of ERGs includes the following:
We encourage participation in ERGs through company communications. Following company guidelines, employees are welcome to join existing groups or expand our offerings by starting groups of their own.
We had many initiatives in 2021. Here are some highlights:
- The Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) & Allies ERG hosted a Bystander Training Program to educate employees on being an effective bystander when involved in situations of bullying or harassment.
- The Women’s ERG (WERG), Black Employee Network (BEN), and LGTBQIA & Allies ERGs hosted a Mental Health Panel Discussion.
- The Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG) hosted a Speaker Series on Parenting: Journey to Motherhood.
- The Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) hosted a Veterans Day Event: Recognizing Our Veterans.
- The Black Employee Network (BEN) facilitated a Virtual Soul Food Cookoff and developed a cookbook of favorite recipes.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS HELP SHAPE BENEFIT PROGRAMS
In 2021, we surveyed our employees as part of our inclusive benefits strategy. We also consulted with our Employee Resource Groups when designing our wellness program. To keep mental health inclusive and accessible, we eliminated in-network office copays, lowered coinsurance, and expanded our Employee Assistance Program for more free counseling visits. We also offer various emotional support vehicles that allow for in-home or other preferred safe places for counseling.
All sustainability data is from Fresenius Medical Care North America for 2021 unless otherwise noted.