?Equality and diversity are not negotiable?

Interview with Juan Beer, CEO of Zurich Switzerland, at a panel discussion that took place on International Women’s Day 2023.

What does equality mean to you?

Living up to the principles of equality and diversity of gender, race, background and sexual orientation is exactly what makes organizations trustworthy, credible, sustainable and global. It’s a fundamental part of our culture at @Zurich Schweiz.

So, to me equality and diversity, including gender diversity, are not negotiable. In fact they represent a huge opportunity for us to create diversity of thoughts and perspectives and to strengthen our leadership, our talent base and, ultimately, our business performance.

What role can Zurich play across Switzerland in ensuring that gender balance is increased and a more inclusive culture is created?

Over the last few years, we at Zurich have done many things to demonstrate that we’re among those who don’t need pressure, laws, or directives.

We’ve put in place processes and rules, and we’ve taken real action to avoid inequality, starting with equal pay for equal work and enforcing the principle of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and gender bias.

Our recruitment processes have been adapted to reflect today’s realities and to bring women back to business. FlexWork is a reality at Zurich today, and we have changed our parental leave policy beyond what’s required by law. Same -sex couples, for instance, can also benefit from our generous parental leave policy.

I’m particularly proud of our Next Generation program for young talent. From day one, it was clear to me that I wanted a balanced ratio of male and female. The sooner we can identify female talent, the better we can help women to build the careers they aspire to.

What can you as a senior leader do to create equality?

For us at Zurich, it’s about making sure that everybody lives up to our values. It’s about the tone that comes down from the top, the profile of our leaders at all levels, about empowering colleagues and encouraging different views and perspectives – people need to feel that they have a safe space where they can comfortably speak up. I want to hear diversity of thoughts and voices.

The first thing is understanding that if leaders don’t actively push and facilitate equality and diversity or D&I, it won’t happen.

So, it is about personal commitment. It is about the framework and providing clarity about the values we want and expect colleagues to stand up for. It is about tangible and visible action and progress.

What would you say to someone who said they cannot do anything to change the status quo? What advice would you give?

I would explain that rules and processes won’t bring about any change. People will!

One day, every day will be international women’s day, or better, international equality day. But until then we need to raise our voices.