The Best Workplaces for Millennials rankings are based on an analysis of survey responses from more than 5.3 million current employees of companies in the United States, born between 1981 and 1997. Most of the evaluation — about 85 percent — is based on what millennials say about their experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential as part of their organization, no matter who they are or what they do.

Millennials represent about 40 percent of the working population in the U.S. They are more likely than previous generations to say workplace culture, development opportunities and leadership quality are extremely important in a job. The survey found that they tend to seek managers who care about them as a person and are actively engaged in their career growth.

Nationwide’s focus on career development, in particular, is what makes it a great place to work, said Nicole Stokes, a millennial and senior consultant, Internal Investigations at Nationwide.

“This speaks to our culture, which is what makes us unique,” said Stokes, who is president of the Young Professionals Network employee resource group. “It shows that Nationwide is invested in developing our young professionals, and it’s a testament to our leadership and the direction we are moving as a company.”

Stokes credits Nationwide for its support of employees and programs like the Young Professionals Network’s mentoring program, which pairs members with executives at the associate vice president level or higher. Nationwide Chief Diversity and Talent Acquisition Officer Angela Bretz says the program is specifically designed to create opportunities for intra- and cross-generational networking and training for employees to learn and grow through their relationships.

“When we give our employees the tools and connections they need to thrive, the results are a better workplace and an inclusive culture that creates fulfilling career experiences and success for all of us,” Bretz said.

The Fortune and Best Workplaces for Millennials Award is Nationwide’s third Best Workplaces honor of 2021. The company earned a 25 ranking in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For and a 7 ranking in Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance (Large).

Learn more about careers and open positions at Nationwide.

Smoot wasn’t the only person seeing a lack of role models during her early career. For Nicole Ridley, envisioning herself in roles she knew she would someday be capable of was difficult because she just didn’t see very many women of color in leadership. Today, it’s a much different situation for both Smoot and Ridley. Smoot is vice president of corporate sustainability at Nationwide, while Ridley is a management associate in Nationwide’s financial leadership rotation program.

“What I see at Nationwide is that if there’s not a seat for you at the table, then we will put in a leaf,” said Ridley. “We will make the table bigger, so there is plenty of space for everyone here.”

Because of Nationwide’s commitment to supporting the careers of women and people of color, the company was named on June 30 one of the 2021 Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media)—an honor recognizing companies that create a culture that encourages multicultural women to join and rise through their ranks.

The Best Companies for Multicultural Women award is judged on more than 250 aspects of representation, hiring, recruitment, attrition and promotion rates, company culture and retention and advancement programs. Companies that earn the award are those deemed to be among best in the United States for incorporating best practices in hiring, retaining and promoting women of color.

Last year, Nationwide earned the 2020 Diversity Best Practices (DBP) Inclusion Index from Seramount and was recognized for superior achievement by receiving higher than an 80 percent score. This is the second year that Nationwide has earned the Best Companies for Multicultural Women award, and it’s especially meaningful because of the concerted effort the enterprise has put into creating a place where the talents and contributions of all are valued, said Nationwide Chief Human Resources Officer Vinita Clements.

“We believe that in every level in our organization, we should represent the external market and create an inclusive culture, which is essential to our ability to attract and sustain top diverse talent. Ensuring Nationwide has a culture where all can succeed is our continuing journey and key to our future success as an organization,” says Angela Bretz, Chief Diversity and Talent Acquisition Officer.

In addition to developing an intentional framework of development programs, policies, opportunities and partnerships at every level to uplift women and diverse associates, Nationwide also partners with diverse and women-focused organizations such as Catalyst, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the National Black MBA Association, AnitaB.org/Gracehopper, National Association of Female Executives, National Association of Black Accountants, Disability:In, and Reaching Out (LGBTQ+) MBA Association, and others to expand recruiting efforts and offer development opportunities to multicultural women.

Sophia Shen, a Nationwide associate vice president of staff administration-marketing and president of Nationwide’s inspirASIAN employee resource group, says that receiving this award is not just meaningful for company employees, but also for those outside the organization.

“Women of color are underrepresented in corporate America,” Shen says. “This award demonstrates to people in the community that Nationwide supports, embraces and wants us to thrive here.”

Smoot wholeheartedly agrees. Said Smoot: “As an executive leader, I want to see us build on the legacy left by the women who have gone before us as we continue to support Nationwide’s great culture for women of color.”

Learn more about careers and open positions at Nationwide.

“I worry about him every day,” says Mok, who is the president and CEO of Ascend, the largest non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals in North America. “He’s a prisoner in his own home right now, and it’s very distressing to me. A random act of violence could come at him when he’s just trying to get his newspaper.”

While the pandemic has been hard for everyone, it has claimed disproportionate numbers of lives in communities of color and has given rise to a surge of anti-Asian sentiment.

From March 2020 through February 2021, the group Stop AAPI Hate logged nearly 3,800 incidents of anti-Asian aggression, with most them occurring against the elderly, women and children.

“I sometimes use the term “accidental activist” because I never saw myself as an activist,” Mok told Nationwide’s employees during a fire side chat this month as part of its monthlong celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. “It has become clear, especially since the pandemic that more voices from those of us that are sitting in companies is important for us to really drive change.”

That’s why Ascend, along with its partners, have come together to address the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through a Five-Point Action Agenda.

This plan, supported by Nationwide and a growing list of companies, not only addresses the adverse impacts of the pandemic, but seeks to create meaningful change in our workplaces and in society.

“It was an easy decision to support Ascend’s Five-Point Agenda,” says Angela Bretz, chief diversity officer. “Promoting inclusion, raising awareness, denouncing bias, supporting communities and giving both time and money are actions Nationwide are engaged in today and has been for many years. We strive to create a culture in our workplaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging, empowerment and respect.”

In support of the AAPI community, Nationwide has encouraged its employees to learn how to become stronger allies. What to do if you witness street harassment and how to teach inclusion and tolerance from home are some of the resources Bretz’s team has made available to all employees. An employee-led panel also hosted a discussion on cultural awareness and other tips for broadening your personal network and finding ways to get involved.

“We’ve encouraged our associates to think about their role as allies and look for ways — big and small — to do their part,” Bretz says. “By working together, we can create sustainable changes for all.”

Nationwide Chief Diversity Officer Angela Bretz was among 6 individuals recognized for championing diversity in their organizations. With the company for more than 30 years, Bretz oversees the development, implementation and operation of Nationwide's robust DEI programming. She was recognized for elevating the company's inclusive culture, which is widely recognized as industry-leading.

"Nationwide believes supporting diversity, equity and inclusion is simply good business," said Bretz. "A culture of diversity, equity and inclusion drives associate success which drives business success for the company and for the community."

Along with the individual recognition of Bretz, Nationwide was also recognized as an Outstanding Diversity Champion Organization.

Business First Editor in Chief Doug Buchanan says interest in the Diversity in Business Awards has never been higher, with a record number of nominations submitted this year.

"Even in that larger field, our judges determined that Nationwide, as an organization, and Angela Bretz in the individual category, were both worthy of recognition," Buchanan said. "I think that speaks to the leadership Nationwide has shown during this difficult year of social justice protests and of course the pandemic. The company’s history of activism in this space prior to the pandemic certainly helped it forge such an effective response.”

Among others recognized for their work including Nancy Tidwell, nominated by Nationwide Realty Investors. Tidwell received a Lifetime Recognition Award for her work promoting diversity and inclusion within the central Ohio commercial construction community. Her strong leadership has resulted in minority contracts totally millions of dollars throughout central Ohio.

Related News:

• Working for a better tomorrow (November 17, 2020)
• Nationwide Financial and industry partners join forces with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote equity and inclusion (September 17, 2020)
• Promoting workplace diversity by being an ally (August 25, 2020)
• Unlocking solutions to the homeownership gap (July 22, 2020)
• Planting seeds for healthier neighborhoods (July 17, 2020)
• Nationwide adding investments to fight racism (June 12, 2020)
• Working to End Racism (June 12, 2020)

“I’m proud to recognize these employees and their commitment to supporting workplace equity at Nationwide,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. "Their efforts and contributions are aligned with our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Employees like these are strong role models who make our company great."

The following honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by the All Women Employee Resource Group:

• The Shelley Brazeau Temple Mentoring and Professional Development Award: Carol Alvarez
• Resiliency Champion Award: Ryan Nolan
• Trailblazer Award: Kimberly Schremp
• Inspiration Award: Jennifer Silverthorn
• Inspiration Award: Crystal Wilson
• Collaborative Ally Award: Jeff Rommel
• Lifetime Legacy Award: Gale King

“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reflect on the contributions women have and continue to make as we work to advance equity for all,” said Angela Bretz, Nationwide’s chief diversity officer. “By working together, we can inspire hope and change for women at Nationwide and beyond.” 

Since assuming the role of Nationwide’s CDO in December 2018, Angela Bretz has helmed Nationwide’s DEI office and continued the focus on the company’s response to the social justice conversation.

“The elevation of the chief diversity officer to a reporting relationship to the CEO and to Gale King, our Chief Administrative Officer, speaks to the enhanced strategic importance this role plays for our future success,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. 

The company has a long-standing commitment to DEI and expanded its advancement of social justice in 2020, a year marked by social unrest and the demonstrated importance of diverse perspectives.

Among the past year’s initiatives, the Fortune 100 company reasserted commitments to influence positive change, create opportunity and support social justice with multi-year, multimillion-dollar investments to local and national programs, such as the National Fair Housing Alliance, the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Nationwide employees and the Nationwide Foundation also made contributions to these nonprofit social justice partners through a Social Justice Giving campaign.

“As we look at our continued DEI aspirations for the coming years, Angela is uniquely positioned for continued success,” said Chief Administrative Officer Gale King. “Her leadership of inclusion to help drive engagement, innovation and business results will enable us to continue building our reputation as a career destination and a company that values the perspectives of all. Her role also includes diversity recruitment strategies for attracting, engaging and assessing diverse talent to drive business success.”

Nationwide consistently earns top workplace awards, including:

• 2020 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For (six consecutive years)
• 2019 Fortune 100 Best Workplaces for Diversity (four consecutive years)
• 2019 Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve U.S. Freedom Award
• 2018 Catalyst Award for supporting women in the workplace
• Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality, Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (17 consecutive years)
• Latina Style 50 Best Places to Work (eight consecutive years)
• Black Enterprise Best Companies for Diversity (three consecutive years)

Related News:

• Working for a better tomorrow (November 17, 2020)
• Nationwide Financial and industry partners join forces with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote equity and inclusion (September 17, 2020)
• Promoting workplace diversity by being an ally (August 25, 2020)
• Unlocking solutions to the homeownership gap (July 22, 2020)
• Planting seeds for healthier neighborhoods (July 17, 2020)
• Nationwide adding investments to fight racism (June 12, 2020)
• Working to End Racism (June 12, 2020)

“Nationwide has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ community,” said Angela Bretz, Nationwide’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “Since our beginnings, we’ve been intentional about creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued. It’s an honor to be recognized for our commitment to LGBTQ rights and we look forward to continuing our work in support of the LGBTQ community.”

“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do—but the best business decision.”

The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Nationwide’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

• Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
• Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families;
• Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
• Corporate social responsibility.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.