Swedbank appointed most equal among Swedish listed companies
For the sixth year running, Folksam reviewed and rated gender equality in Swedish registered stock exchange listed companies. At the top of the list is Swedbank appointed to the year equality companies, with 50 percent and 25 percent women on the Board and management team.
The purpose of the People's Equality Index is to highlight the companies that succeed and thereby fuel the debate on gender equality in business top. "Balanced companies do better on skills - regardless of gender - and are therefore better placed to increase profitability," writes Folksam who comment on their review of the companies.
The grade of Folksam's review is based on the gender balance in governance, management and all employees. This year's assessment of Swedbank brings the bank to the top with an index of 3.63 followed by Investor (3.33) and Eniro in (3.27). Generally, the finance sector, services and consumer goods, are placed high up, while companies from construction, vehicles and machinery are in the bottom layer.
- It feels very satisfying that we are Sweden's most equal listed company. Swedbank's objective is to set a good example of the important social issues in which both gender issues and diversity are strategically important areas for us. The ability to take advantage of different experiences and knowledge is a success. Equality is also an important issue when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, says Amanda Jackson, Swedbank’s specialist in gender and diversity issues.
For inclusion - against discrimination
Gender issues have had a central place within Swedbank for long. The bank was a front runner in promoting women in the local boards, in local banks and corporate management. Many companies say they are striving for a gender balance. For Swedbank, which has an elected board consisting of 50 percent women and 50 percent men, this is already a fact. Considering the employee representatives of the board, the distribution 60 per cent women and 40 percent men.
- Swedbank has a long tradition of community engagement and it is natural for us to work for inclusion and combat discrimination. We are convinced that gender equality leads to greater profitability and that it is important for our stakeholders, says Amanda Jackson.
The fact that gender issues are of high priority can be proved by the different things Swedbank are engaged in:
- equality and diversity training for all leaders
- mentoring programs for women
- encouraging parental leave
- a joint equality and diversity committee
- cooperation with Swedish business magazine Veckans Affärer on “The 125 most powerful women in business”
- Group-wide policy on Inclusion and Diversity
