1. What does diversity mean to you? Why is it important to have a diverse workplace?
Today, many organizations use the term "inclusion" or the terms "diversity and inclusion" to highlight what I still call simply diversity. I'm not much into labels, so I'm not too concerned with the term that we use. I'm more focused on how it is manifested into the culture of an organization. Diversity is leveraging as many of the differences and similarities that each of us brings to the workplace as possible. If done well we create a more productive work environment, where employees feel valued and respected. This, in turn, yields more employee engagement and stronger business results. By employee engagement I mean that employees find personal meaning and motivation in their work, receive positive interpersonal support and operate in an efficient work environment that embraces them fully.
The commitment to valuing diversity is rooted in Aetna's culture, and has grown and gathered strength. We have worked hard over the years to integrate diversity into all aspects of our business, including working with our networks of health care professionals and designing and delivering tailored products and services that aim to close the racial and ethnic disparities in health care that exist among Caucasians and people of color.
2. How does Aetna measure success regarding diversity?
We at Aetna recognize the impact and importance of diversity in all aspects of our business. Whether it is providing products and services to meet a wide variety of consumer needs, fostering relationships with women and minority business owners and suppliers, or attracting a diverse employee population, we have successfully incorporated an inclusive mindset into all that we do. To be clear, Diversity is embedded into the "business of the business." That is, diversity is part of the business planning process. We measure workforce, workplace, supplier and marketplace diversity as part of these efforts. Specific metrics are placed within each of the areas and incentive compensation is linked to achieving goals.
3. What kind of opportunities do you give small business within Aetna?
Aetna values diversity and takes specific actions to ensure that it is integrated into all aspects of how we do business. Those actions include diversifying our supplier base to strengthen our ability to do business across all cultures and geographies.
Through our supplier diversity program, we actively seek out minority- and women-owned businesses and invite them to compete for our business.
By tapping into different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, we have access to high quality goods and services, gain valuable insight into multicultural markets, and better serve the communities in which we live and work.
At Aetna, we're proud of our long history of inclusion and remain committed to supplier diversity.
4. What is the process that small business owners need to follow to be able to do business with Aetna?
It starts with a registration. To register, please visit Aetna's website and fill out the supplier registration form by clicking this link.
It is important that all requested areas be filled out to ensure your registration form is processed correctly. Aetna conducts business electronically with all suppliers so the registration form is only accessible online.
Once the registration is submitted, there is no need to contact Aetna.
Aetna will review your registration and keep the information on file until we invite your company to participate in a sourcing event. Please visit us here for more information.
5. What is the business case for corporate responsibility or inclusion?
In Aetna's inclusive work environment, we have a broad mix of people who strive to understand others' perspectives, are open to others' ideas and promote a high level of mutual respect in the workplace. To do anything else - to limit opportunity based on gender, race, age, disabilities, or sexual orientation would limit our potential achievement as a company and as a corporate citizen. Members, consumers, clients, communities, shareholders and employees now demand diversity.
Diversity can be a determining factor in whether a customer purchases our products, an investor invests in our company, or an individual accepts employment - and remains - with our company. They look at our track records. They look at us. It is important that they are able to see themselves.
6. Do you believe it is important to have a Hispanic corporate board member? What do you think it is their contribution?
Our Board of Directors is comprised of 33% women and 17% people of color. We believe that having a Board that's diverse is very important, and seeking diversity in Director candidates is a critical part of recruitment. Ultimately, richer discussion results from having Board members with varied backgrounds that can offer different perspectives.
