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Diversity and Inclusion
At Hormel Foods, diversity is defined as respect for, and inclusion of, the unique differences of every individual. This encompasses personal attributes, values and organizational roles. Embracing all of the ways in which we are different — beyond race and gender — fosters innovation and cultivates an environment in which people aspire to work and build long-term careers.
Our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey M. Ettinger, has demonstrated his commitment to this focus by including it among the company’s key strategies. Company-wide, women represented 34 percent of our workforce in fiscal year 2009. Our ethnic minority workforce represented 47 percent in fiscal year 2009. Of our 12-member Board of Directors, there are four women and three people of color.
The human resources department is actively implementing initiatives related to diversity and inclusion, including training programs and solidifying relationships at organizations with higher education institutions. Scorecards for business units and an inclusion index to track and monitor progress related to this initiative are also key components of the company-wide program.
Diversity and Inclusion Council
We have convened a cross-functional diversity and inclusion council to assist the company in meeting the needs of our diverse workforce and to ensure inclusion. We provide formal inclusion training to our managers and appreciating differences training to all employees.
The Diversity and Inclusion Council supports company leadership by providing guidance on diversity and inclusion considerations. Part of their commitment is to:
- Expand the knowledge and learning of the Council to act as a source of insight;
- Define diversity and inclusion in a way that is relevant to Hormel Foods;
- Communicate the diversity and inclusion business case;
- Develop an annual plan, based on the current status of diversity and inclusion efforts, that includes objectives, strategies, tactics and resources for implementation; and
- Partner with leadership, human resources and corporate communications to implement our plans.
Employee Resource Groups
The existence and input of employee resource groups is vital to creating and maintaining an inclusive work environment that supports diversity. The groups are a network of employees who share a common identity, characteristic or set of interests who meet to build relationships, identify and generate potential solutions to workplace issues and create opportunities to help Hormel Foods drive positive business results. In fiscal year 2009, three employee resource groups developed, the Hormel African American Resource Group, the Hormel Asian-American Professionals Association and Women Our Way.
The human resource department advises the groups, gives information and data and provides financing to support their goals and initiatives.
To learn more about our policy for supplier diversity, visit our Process section.