Our people

Diversity, inclusion & wellbeing

Putting people at the heart of our strategy

To succeed, Zurich needs to attract, develop and retain talented people who reflect the diversity of our global customers. A workplace that brings out the best in everybody where people feel welcome, valued and included, allows employees to achieve their full potential and perform at their best.

When we welcome difference, we promote innovation, boost productivity and deliver better results.

Our diversity and inclusion programs work to shape an environment that:

encourages and values different views and opinions,
respects employees’ personal needs,
provides equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or other aspect of difference.

Our Group-wide Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) framework is part our Group’s Code of Conduct.

Our roadmap

We are making progress in becoming a leader in D&I in the insurance industry by 2020 in several areas:

Shifting from awareness to action:

Training leaders on key aspects of diversity and inclusion
Building further on Employee Resource Groups
Hosting global and regional D&I conferences

Identifying diverse talent, then developing and sponsoring these individuals
Adapting our policies and processes to reflect a changing world.

Initially, we are focusing on

Recruitment and promotion
Flexible working
Managing gender pay equality

Attracting and retaining a diverse and talented work force

Setting standards, making progress in gender equality

In November 2015 Zurich became the first global company in the insurance industry to be certified by ‘EDGE’ (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality).

Our decision to apply for EDGE certification demonstrates our aim to improve gender equality within all areas of our business, starting in 2015 with Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Building on our success, in 2016 we received certification in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Japan and Mexico. These 12 businesses represent over 28,000 employees.

As of 2017, we had 12 countries EDGE certified and we are one of only six brands to be recognized at EDGE ‘Move’ level for demonstrating our progress in improving gender equality. Our decision to apply for EDGE certification demonstrates our aim to improve gender equality and empower women in the workforce.

We want to give people equal opportunity to deliver, and we aim to compensate our people fairly through pay, promotions and opportunities. Working with EDGE, we have developed an Equal Pay Analysis Tool that enables us to review equal pay for equivalent work in like roles. This tool has been audited and verified by an independent third party and is accessible across our business.

Employee Resource Groups

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are employee-led associations that provide personal and professional support and networking. Our ERGs can also help Zurich better understand the challenges our employees and customers face.

Zurich currently has a range of global and local resource groups and is committed to fostering an environment to encourage more. Our ERGs include:

WIN (Women’s Innovation Network)
Pride@Zurich/GLEE (Gay, Lesbian Everyone Else)
CAN (Cultural Awareness Network)
Zurich African American Alliance
Emerging LeaderZ
Disability Inclusion Group

Read more about’ ‘Helping employees reach their full potential’ and related key performance indicators in Zurich's Annual Report 2017 page 24 or in the online version.

Our commitment to respect human rights is part of the Group’s Code of Conduct. Read more

Careers with Zurich

Job search and job application for Zurich careers in global insurance services, for experienced professionals and recent graduates.