This paper examines UPS's approach to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive workforce. It reviews the company's Diversity Steering Council, minority and women representation statistics, and the UPS Supplier Diversity Program. The paper also evaluates the factors behind UPS's high Employer Choice Index, including the Bridges to Excellence healthcare program, career development initiatives, and workplace flexibility. Additional sections address management's role in employee engagement and the company's well-documented promotion-from-within policy, which has moved large numbers of part-time and non-management employees into full-time and executive roles.
Diversity is a broad term that encompasses the classification of people on the basis of age, gender, expertise, race, religion, national origin, and thought. UPS has adopted a policy of a diversified workforce; the company supports and encourages different segments of society to join and contribute not only their professional services but also their varied perspectives to UPS and its customers.
UPS has been ranked among the "50 Best Companies for Minorities" in an evaluation conducted by Fortune magazine. UPS employees represent a pluralistic and multidimensional community that reflects global society. The company welcomes employee contributions toward its progress and accepts a wide range of employee attitudes toward work, provided those attitudes generate value for the company.
A diversified workforce is one of the key objectives of UPS. The company seeks people who possess strong skills, relevant experience, effective use of resources, and a deep commitment to the organization's mission.
Minorities — including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian-Pacific Americans — account for 35% of UPS employees in the United States. In 2005, minorities represented 50% of new recruits. Women make up 28% of the UPS management team and hold one-fifth of positions across the total workforce. One-third of executive-level management comprises minorities (UPS Progress Report).
UPS has established the Diversity Steering Council, a bold measure for fostering and encouraging diversification within the workforce. The council's vision is to "ensure that workforce, customer, and supplier diversity remain a visible core value that is integral to our business, our community relationships, and the UPS charter."
UPS's commitment to diversification is evident in the governance structure of this council: it is co-chaired by the company's Chairman and CEO and coordinated by executives from the Human Resources and Public Affairs departments. The council's own composition reflects the principle of diversity it promotes, consisting of members who are directly or indirectly associated with UPS across various functions.
The implementation of diversity-centered policies has further strengthened the company's credibility and reputation. It has positively influenced the company's dealings with customers, its supplier network, and — most importantly — its workforce. UPS operates in over 200 countries, serving more than 8 million customers worldwide through approximately 407,000 employees. This international presence has given the company a unique opportunity to engage customers from a wide range of diverse backgrounds.
In 2002, UPS launched the UPS Supplier Diversity Program with the objective of creating business opportunities for minorities and women. The company also encourages its suppliers to conduct business with minority- and women-owned enterprises.
"Employer Choice Index drivers and employee benefit programs"
"Senior management interaction and morale-building measures"
"Internal advancement data and long-term career development"
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