LINCOLN, Nebraska (July 20, 2020) – Ameritas joins the growing coalition pledging to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. One of more than 1,000 CEOs that have come together for CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Ameritas President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Lester is committing himself and Ameritas to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
By signing on to this commitment, Ameritas is pledging to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. The collective of more than 1,000 signatories have already shared more than 1,000 best known actions, exchanging tangible learning opportunities and creating collaborative conversations via the initiative’s unified hub, CEOAction.com.
“This is the right thing to do,” Lester said. “Diverse teams with varied backgrounds make stronger, smarter decisions by welcoming and drawing on the value of unique personal experiences and opinions. A more intentional effort in this area is important to helping us nurture an inclusive culture and diverse associate community.”
Organizations joining the pledge are taking a step towards effecting positive change. A diverse and inclusive workforce facilitates community, but also drives innovation and creativity. A recent study found that 85 percent of those surveyed reported that diversity is a key component to fostering innovation.
Ameritas, which is headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., is one of five organizations in Nebraska and 75 in the insurance industry to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ pledge. Lester also signed the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce diversity pledge. Both pledges will hold Ameritas accountable and responsible for fostering a workplace environment that demands fair treatment, provides resources and opportunities for associates and supports advancement for all.
Ameritas hopes to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workplace. As Lester stated in a June message, “Racism and prejudice have no place in a society based on equality. ‘Liberty and justice for all’ is a promise that must be kept. Meaningful change begins with a deeper commitment to one another and the courage to speak out peacefully against bigotry and hate. I pledge to you as the leader of Ameritas to continue to treat all people with dignity and respect.”
1 United States Department of Labor. (2012). Women’s Bureau.
The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is led by a steering committee of CEOs and leaders from Accenture, BCG, Deloitte US, The Executive Leadership Council, EY, General Atlantic, KPMG, New York Life, Procter & Gamble, and PwC. The coalition represents 85 industries, all 50 US States, and millions of employees globally.
XXX
About CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™
CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Bringing together more than 1,000 CEOs of America’s leading organizations, the commitment outlines actions that participating companies pledge to take to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, employees feel comfortable and encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion, and where best known—and unsuccessful—actions can be shared across organizations. Learn more at CEOAction.com and connect with us on Twitter: @CEOAction.
About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through affiliate Ameritas Investment Company LLC., member FINRA/SIPC and investment advisory services offered through the business name of Ameritas Advisory Services. For more information, visit Ameritas.com.