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 operations at the global level.
The EY GES is the only global DEI certification that assesses equal opportunity and equal pay on a global scale. It allows multinational companies to assess the extent to which DEI is integrated into their operations globally. This certification requires a demanding process and requires the provision of concrete and practical evidence that guarantees fair conditions for all employees. The certification was granted after an assessment carried out over several months, including consultation with JTI employees in different regions and countries.
As a leader in promoting a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, JTI was one of the first multinational companies to achieve this certification in 2021 (2021 – 2024). This year, the company improved its score by 11% compared to 2021, marking significant progress and strengthening its position as a leading employer globally. This recognition is based on an exhaustive and in-depth evaluation of culture, processes and operations of JTI, 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 its 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 across the enterprise.
For JTI, gender equality is a formal and formalized strategic priority. The company is completely committed to increasing the representation of women in leadership positions and achieving parity at all levels. To achieve this, JTI implemented a number of recruitment and talent management measures, including balanced interview panels and final shortlists of candidates with gender parity for leadership positions.
The company 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 an environment favorable to the development of women.
Within the TogetHER group, the “Wings for Women” initiative works to create an enabling environment for women to support each other with mentoring, coaching and sponsorship programs by and for women. In 2023, the initiative was behind the launch of “Just a Call Away,” a program intended to be the first point of call for women facing challenges.
GES certification is also recognition of the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure equal pay for equal work. As a Global Equal Pay certified employer, JTI has a system in place that ensures that all of its entities maintain pay equity, ensuring full 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 well-being initiatives, personal development programs, as well as flexible working hours allowing up to 50 % teleworking.
“We are proud of the renewal of this prestigious certification on a global scale and of maintaining 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 the positions and type of work required, and never based on the people occupying those positions. We are also proud to be the first company in the region to offer 20 weeks (4 months) paid parental leave to our employees becoming new parents, regardless of gender,” said Natali Dincer, People & Culture Director, JTI North and West Africa.
In Morocco, JTI makes a point of 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 deploys several programs aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of its employees.
JTI’s constant commitment to equality in Morocco reflects its internal values and societal responsibility. The company remains dedicated to creating an environment conducive to the development of its employees and to promoting equality in the years to come.
