Allstate Corp.
Northbrook, IL
34,000 employees
CEO: Thomas J. Wilson
CDE: Michael J. Escobar
www.allstate.com
Diversity mission: We define inclusive diversity as the collective mixture of all of our differences in our workforce, marketplace and community. It defines who we are and what we believe in, holding each other personally and professionally accountable to welcome all as we strive to win in a diverse, global marketplace.
“Our company is more than a job; it’s really a way of life for 70,000 Allstaters. It’s about helping people realize their dreams and protecting our customers for the future. It’s about building a successful business through leveraging and valuing all differences. We
are proud of our continued progress and remain committed to investing in our people because people are the key to our success,” says Thomas J.Wilson, Allstate Chairman, President and CEO. With U.S. Census Data showing communities are becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse, Allstate believes diversity is critical to meeting the needs of its customers. Inclusive diversity is one of Allstate’s core values and a central part of its business strategy. Diversity initiatives at Allstate are overseen by an executive diversity council and implemented by Michael J. Escobar, chief diversity and organization effectiveness officer, who says, “Inclusive diversity is a key business strategy and competitive advantage for Allstate. It’s about creating a work environment where individual differences are valued, so that all employees can reach their potential while maximizing their contributions to our company, customers and shareholders.” Allstate’s commitment to inclusive diversity can be found, in writing, in a nine-page brochure titled Allstate: One Company for All. The brochure includes pages such as “ALL in the Family (about the customer),” “ALL Encompassing (about the employee),” “ALL Together (covering the community),” “ALL in a Day’s Work (about workplace diversity and embracing unique talents and ideas)” and “ALL Inclusive (discussing external recognition for a job well done).” Allstate’s been creating opportunities for minority, women, LGBPT, and veteran-owned businesses for many years through its annual supplier diversity exchange, currently in its fifth year. The exchange is supported by more than 200 Allstate volunteers and fosters an opportunity for these groups to competitively bid for contracts with Allstate and major suppliers. It provides small-business owners a forum for guidance and networking, and a venue for personal, one-on-one time with Allstate staff. The annual event features a panel of Allstate and top diverse supplier leaders who share valuable insights about making corporate connections and growing business relationships. Allstate leaders believe their supplier diversity programs help keep the doors open for many small businesses during tough economic times. In 2010, over $850 million in commissions were spent with minority-owned and women-owned Allstate agencies, and $200 million was spent with diverse suppliers. The company also has employee network groups, including a women’s information network, professional Latino network, Asian-American network, network of gay and lesbian employees and supporters and African-American working network, which allow employees to connect with other people at Allstate that share common interests. Recent awards include 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers (20-year award winner and Hall of Fame inductee) and Best Companies for Women of Color, from Working Mother magazine and 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work, from Latina Style magazine.
