Employer Profile

One of the Big Four accounting firms, Secaucus, N.J.-based Ernst & Young has set up a variety of resource networks to foster an inclusive work environment. For example, there's an internal network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees called Beyond. And a resource network called the AccessAbilities group champions employees with disabilities by providing guidance and raising awareness. Support for women in the company's workforce is available through working mother programs, a group called the Professional Women's Network and a program recognizing role models who foster a women-friendly environment. More than one-third of the company's experienced hires are ethnic minorities, and in 2007, 48% of all new hires were women. In the Americas IT unit, there are two groups that promote inclusion and retention of minority and female employees. Flexible work options include job-sharing plans, flexible work schedules and programs through which workers can take additional days off. To make it possible for employees to get work done no matter where they are, the company offers laptops, maintains a corporate VPN and provides 24/7 assistance. Ernst & Young is integrating North and South American firms, creating cross-border career opportunities. Through the firm's Corporate Social Responsibility Fellows program, employees can offer their services to promising entrepreneurs in underserved communities. To promote participation in such programs, stories about employees who successfully took advantage of flexibility and mobility opportunities are shared monthly, and managers are educated about ways to make flexibility work for their teams. Over the past 15 years, more than 125 people have been promoted to high-level positions while taking advantage of a flexible work arrangement.