Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We CAN effect change, and we MUST do so together.
Symetra stands with the Black community and with all of those fighting against racial injustice. We see you and we hear you. While we cannot erase the collective damage of systemic racism, we can seek real change so that future generations can live without the harm, stress and fear so many of our friends, colleagues and neighbors experience today.
We must start by acknowledging injustice when we see it, calling it out and then seeking change. Symetra remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace. We will continue to use our voice to advance those principles in our communities, and actively seek ways to be part of the enduring solution and healing our nation needs.
Our commitments to promote racial equity and support social justice
The effects of racism are evident every day in the United States. The pain and frustration of that reality are starkly reflected in the demonstrations across our country and change will take time and require persistent effort. This moment in time has proven to be a strong catalyst for action in our country and within corporate America. As a result, we are all witness to a real push for meaningful policy change at all levels of government. Symetra is committing to be a long-term partner with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities as we seek progress in racial equity and social justice. We are committing to action in five areas: People, Customers, Communities, Advocacy and Leadership.
Our people
We will provide inclusive and equitable hiring practices, advancement opportunities and work environment.
We will offer all employees unconscious bias training as part of their employment at Symetra and provide ongoing opportunities for conversations and education about race and equity.
We will conduct an annual pay equity review.
We will support participation and fund our employee resource groups and promote allyship.
We will recognize and celebrate Black history and make Juneteenth a paid holiday, starting in 2020.
We will give all Symetra employees time off to vote so they can make their voice heard at the ballot box.
We will build long-lasting relationships with historically Black colleges and industry associations to provide better access to Symetra jobs.
Our customers
We will work to be the most inclusive insurance carrier in the country, by offering products and solutions that help more Americans achieve financial freedom and build generational wealth.
Our communities
We will partner with community-based organizations to build strong, resilient and equitable support systems for BIPOC communities with a focus on women and at-risk youth.
We will commit over $500,000, over the next five years, to community-based organizations, with an emphasis on those that center their work on racial equity and/or social justice.
We will commit $100,000 in 2020 to national BIPOC organizations.
We will build a new, ongoing scholarship grant that specifically benefits BIPOC students starting in 2021.
We will set Diversity, Equity & Inclusion goals throughout our Corporate Social Responsibility program so we can measure our progress.
Our advocacy
We will be a productive corporate voice on issues that disproportionally impact BIPOC communities, with a specific focus on housing and homelessness and federal level police reform and voter accessibility.
We will support issues of social justice within our industry.
Our leadership
We will steadily and intentionally grow racial diversity throughout our enterprise, including at our senior leadership levels.
We will bring awareness and utilize our corporate platform to discuss systemic racism with our employees, partners, customers and the public.
Senior Executives will work with outside experts to build a shared understanding of diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I), understand historical and structural roots of inequities and bias, understand system dynamics and culture development cycles, and develop strategies and practices for identifying and addressing inequities.
