JTI is proud to announce that it has once again received the prestigious Global Equality Standard (GES) certification from Ernst & Young (EY) globally, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its global operations.
The EY GES is the only global DEI certification that assesses equal opportunities and equal pay on a global scale. It allows multinational companies to evaluate the extent to which DEI is integrated into their global operations. This certification requires a demanding process and necessitates the provision of concrete evidence of practices that ensure fair conditions for all employees. The certification was granted after an evaluation conducted over several months, including consultations with JTI employees in various regions and countries.
As a leader in promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, JTI was one of the first multinational companies to obtain this certification in 2021 (2021 – 2024). This year, the company improved its score by 11% compared to 2021, marking significant progress and reinforcing its position as a leading employer globally. This recognition is based on a comprehensive and thorough assessment of JTI’s culture, processes, and operations, including recruitment practices, career progression, wellness programs, and leadership opportunities.
Demonstrating its full commitment to the subject, JTI has established a DEI Advisory Council at the board level, chaired by CEO Eddy Pirard and composed of six members of the executive committee. This council recommends strategies and best practices to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the company.
For JTI, gender equality is a formal and strategic priority. The company is fully committed to increasing the representation of women in leadership positions and achieving parity at all levels. To this end, JTI has implemented a number of measures regarding recruitment and talent management, including balanced interview panels and final candidate lists with gender parity for leadership positions.
The company has also launched an annual sponsorship program aimed at professional development specifically for women and created a global employee resource group (ERG) called “TogetHER.” This internal network is completely inclusive and open to all JTI employees, women and men as allies. The network aims to raise awareness, support, and create a favorable environment for the development of women.
Within the TogetHER group, the “Wings for Her” initiative works to create a supportive environment for women to support each other through mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship programs by and for women. In 2023, the initiative was behind the launch of “Just a Call Away,” a program designed to be the first point of contact for women facing challenges.
The GES certification is also a recognition of the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure equal pay for equal work. As a certified Global Equal Pay employer, JTI has implemented a system that ensures all its entities maintain pay equity, thereby ensuring total transparency in its compensation practices.
JTI has also developed significant programs to improve the quality of its work environment for all its employees, including mental and physical wellness initiatives, personal development programs, and flexible working hours allowing up to 50% remote work.
“We are proud of the renewal of this prestigious global certification and the maintenance of our certification in North and West Africa. This demonstrates our total commitment to equal pay for equal work, beyond any form of discrimination. In this regard, our compensation packages are always determined based on positions and the type of work required, and never based on the individuals occupying those positions. We are also proud to be the first company in the region to offer 20 weeks (4 months) of paid parental leave to our employees becoming new parents, regardless of gender,” said Natali Dincer, Director of People & Culture, JTI North and West Africa.
In Morocco, JTI takes pride in offering equal career opportunities, as evidenced by the diversity of nationalities in our offices, or the Women in Sales initiative. Transparency in recruitment processes, both internal and external, is another example of this commitment. JTI also implements several programs aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of its employees.
JTI’s ongoing commitment to equality in Morocco reflects its internal values and social responsibility. The company remains dedicated to creating an environment conducive to the flourishing of its employees and promoting equality in the years to come.