Diversity and Inclusion
We believe achieving success begins with people, and we're focused on building a team with a rich diversity of perspectives, experiences and ideas.
BUILDING A BALANCED TEAM
As one of the nation's premier energy companies, NextEra Energy is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining great people at all levels. A key part of that commitment is to attract and maintain a diverse and multi-generational workforce that can help us meet the continually evolving needs of our customers. To reinforce our commitment, we continue to develop and implement corporate-wide diversity and inclusion training for all of our employees and further strengthen our Corporate Diversity Council and Employee Resource Groups.
At NextEra Energy, we define diversity broadly. We provide an inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability or protected veteran status. We also appreciate diversity of thought, style, technical and functional capabilities or leadership. When talented employees from varied backgrounds are engaged and contributing to our business success, we all benefit.
Corporate Diversity Council and Employee Resource Groups
NextEra Energy's Corporate Diversity Council provides strategic guidance on corporate-wide and business unit-specific diversity and inclusion initiatives, models inclusive behaviors and promotes diverse and inclusive leadership teams. Our Executive Diversity and Inclusion Council advises and drives our corporate D&I strategy and partners with business units to promote diversity talent development and recruiting. Our Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Council acts as business unit champions and drives business unit D&I strategy. The D&I Council shares best practices, sponsors our annual D&I Summit and advises and mentors our Employee Resource Groups. The Council meets monthly, and at least quarterly reviews organizational diversity metrics. A business unit diversity scorecard is then reviewed with business unit leaders to guide a discussion on diversity and inclusion within their individual business units and develop an annual D&I plan for each business unit. Additionally, senior leaders of the Company review diversity and inclusion metrics quarterly during our operating committee meetings. Our board of directors reviews our diversity and inclusion and talent management strategy at least annually, including human capital and diversity metrics. The board also focuses on diversity in our talent pipeline and reviews the diversity metrics of our internship program. Our diverse board members actively participate in our employee resource groups and host forums for employees. The Employee Resource Groups drive an inclusive work environment and opportunities for engagement through events such as Lunar New Year, Black History Month and the annual Diwali Celebration.
Racial Equity Working Team
In light of recent focus throughout the country on social justice, racial equity and related issues, our company established a Racial Equity Working Team to develop specific actions our company can take to make a positive contribution toward racial equity. The focus areas of this effort are to improve recruitment, retention and promotion of diverse team members; increase support of programs that make a difference in diverse communities; and identify additional minority-owned suppliers and venture investment opportunities. About 100 team members volunteered to be part of the working team process.
Did You Know?
NextEra Energy has 12 Employee Resource Groups.
Did You Know?
As of year-end 2019, women represented 23% of our workforce and minorities represented 36% of our workforce. We also actively focus on increasing diversity in our management team. Women represented 25% of our management team and minorities represented 26% of our management team as of year-end 2019.
In honor of Black History Month, NextEra Energy’s African-American Professional Employee Group (AAPEG) employee resource group (ERG) held multiple events during the month of February in celebration of achievements by African-Americans and to recognize their central role in U.S. history.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Organization for Latino Americans (HOLA) employee resource group (ERG) hosted a panel discussion and networking event with NextEra Energy leaders.
The Asian Professionals in the Energy Exchange (APEX) employee resource group proudly celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with their annual table tennis tournament.
At an event sponsored by NextEra's Women in Energy group, employees were treated to a special visit by Toni Jennings, a former Lt. Governor of Florida and a member of NextEra Energy's board of directors.
“We value and embrace the unique differences of every employee, which enables our inclusive culture to thrive. I’m proud to sponsor our Allies for People with Disabilities (APD) Employee Resource Group,” said Carmine Priore III, vice president of power generation division special projects and Gulf Power generation at NextEra Energy. “APD members work to better serve our employees, customers and colleagues, while raising awareness about disabilities and helping to improve the communities where we live and work.”
Encouraging Diversity Through Recruiting Practices
Our Talent Acquisition team partners with key veteran and diversity organizations -- both regional and national -- targeting diverse groups including women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities, with a focus on attracting qualified diverse talent to become part of our great company.
Professional Diversity Organizations and Events
We partner with diverse organizations, including the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the National Black MBA Association, Women in Technology International, Women of Renewable Industries & Sustainable Energy, LGBT-Allies Summit, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Equal Opportunity Publications (expos) and many others.
Military Recruiting and Partnerships
More than 2,000 veterans or active National Guardsmen and Reservists currently work at NextEra Energy, representing nearly 13% of our workforce. NextEra Energy’s VETNEXT employee resource group promotes communication, career growth in the energy industry and education for military service members, veterans and employees who have family members serving on active duty and in the reserves.
College Recruiting and NEXT Intern Program
We're always looking for the best nand the brightest college students and graduates to help us shape the future of clean and renewable energy. By affording students relevant work experience, the internship program provides the opportunity to develop a diversified pipeline of new talent ad creates an environment where candidate and company can explore the potential for full-time employment in the future. In 2019, our NEXT summer intern program welcomed nearly 200 interns from universities across the country, with more than 70% women and minority interns. In 2020, we adapted this important program to be virtual to ensure it would continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NextEra Energy Named one of America's Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes
NextEra Energy was named to Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Diversity for the third consecutive year. In partnership with research firm Statista, Forbes ranked 250 employers across all industries in the U.S. according to results from employee surveys, examination of diversity policies and analysis of diversity in executive boards and management teams. This award is in addition to the company being recognized for the 13th time as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. NextEra Energy is one of only nine companies worldwide in the energy and utilities sector to receive this prestigious recognition.
Did You Know?
In 2019, NextEra Energy was selected by Winds of Change magazine as one of the Top 50 Workplaces for Indigenous STEM Professionals for its strong support of diversity and inclusive work climate.
Did You Know?
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor recognized NextEra Energy with the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Award for its leadership in recruiting, employing and retaining veterans.