#EachforEqual means everyone contributes to big changes for women

David Henderson, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, striking the #EachforEqual pose

Sometimes it’s the little things that can have a big impact in shaping a woman’s career.

“I’d cite the male boss who sponsored me early in my career,” says Emma Francis, Zurich’s Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (a.i.), “along with my colleagues who have worked tirelessly in their spare time to implement a support system for people going on maternity leave, to my own efforts - alongside others – to make flexible working a reality. These may seem to be small things, but combined, all our actions have had a big impact.”

“We encourage every employee to do their bit to bring about equality in the workplace and the wider world, because we know that everyone benefits.”

Ms. Francis’ recalled her experience ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, when the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women are celebrated and the annual call to action is sounded for accelerating gender parity.

In observing International Women’s Day, Zurich is adopting the #EachforEqual campaign, emphasizing that real change can only come about when everyone takes responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. The campaign says everyone can “actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender-equal world.”

There is plenty of evidence that working together for the good of all can pay off with real change. Zurich’s efforts have led to a number of achievements and recognition for its work, such as:

• Equal pay for equivalent work: In countries with more than 100 employees, pay has been reviewed to ensure that those performing equivalent work are earning equitable salaries.
• FlexWork@Zurich: Flexible working arrangements allow employees to work in ways that better suit their lifestyles and allow them to use time more efficiently.
• Enhanced parental leave: Paid leave is available to anyone who becomes a new parent, regardless of gender in many Zurich countries and territories.
• Inclusion in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year.
• Recognition by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity.”

“It’s all about people,” Ms. Francis remarked. “After all, it’s our people who enable us to serve and innovate for our customers. So we need to make sure that all of those amazing, diverse individuals feel welcome and are able to reach their full potential. That’s why we encourage every employee to do their bit to bring about equality in the workplace and the wider world, because we know that everyone benefits.”