Unity in Diversity

 

Recently, Allianz SE made its board more international with the addition of one Australian and one Italian member. For us, diversity is not just a top-heavy discussion.

Across the group, across levels, diversity is a running theme – be it gender diversity or cultural diversity, shows the Allianz HR Fact Book 2016.

According to the HR Fact Book 2016, 63 nationalities are represented in executive levels across the group. What’s more, as much as 52 percent of our employees are women – an important statement for gender diversity. Even more interesting is the fact that 37 percent of all Allianz managers are women.

Studies show that the presence of women in corporate leadership positions can lead to increased profitability.

Allianz offers women employees a range of programs to support their career development – from a Women’s Sponsorship program for senior managers to a Junior Executive Talent program for non-executive employees. Other measures include flexible work solutions, return to the workplace following maternity or paternity leave, childcare facilities and programs that ensure parents get support at different life stages.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America earned a spot in the ‘Working Mother 100 Best Companies’ list for the third year in a row last year. Allianz also featured in Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index 2016.

Hear it from Delphine Maidou, Allianz’s Regional Chief Operating Officer Africa, who was named as the 11th most influential business woman in Africa by Jeune Afrique this month: “My career has thrived because I have been with a company that identifies young female talent, provides them the skills, builds them through exposure, mentors and sponsors them, and positions them in key decision-making roles. For me, the cherry on top is that I was able to go back to my continent of birth where I can now greatly contribute to the company as well as to the African insurance industry.”

Last year, Allianz ranked 17 among 4,000 companies assessed in the Thomson Reuters Diversity & Inclusion Index. The index takes into account gender diversity, cultural diversity, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) initiatives and opportunities offered to employees with disabilities. Another recognition was given to Allianz UK, which won the 2017 Excellence in the Diverse Company Award for the Private Sector.

At Allianz Worldwide Care, a brand of Allianz Worldwide Partners, LGBT employees in Ireland created a networking initiative called Diversity at Allianz Worldwide Care (DIVA), which works with internal and external networks to facilitate dialogue and learning opportunities with a focus on LGBT issues.  

Also, the AllAbility program raises awareness on the topic of disability. For example, Allianz Managed Operations & Services (AMOS) in India launched the ‘Talking Hands’ initiative to bridge the communication gap between deaf employees and non-deaf employees.

Like different colors can make an ordinary canvas beautiful, different skill sets and perspectives can make a company strong. Here’s to celebrating our unity in diversity...

As with all content published on this site, these statements are subject to our Forward Looking Statement disclaimer:

 

Desislava Popova
Allianz SE
Phone: +49 89 3800 16729

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