“Diversity is everyone’s business”
The Group was awarded the Diversity Label in January 2009. Michel Pébereau, Chairman of BNP Paribas, and Elisabeth Karako, Head of Diversity, discuss BNP Paribas’ broad commitment to diversity. Why is diversity important to all of us? What exactly are the Group’s commitments and concrete actions in favour of diversity?

Promoting talented people, regardless of their origin
Respecting the diversity of candidates and employees is central to the Group’s success. We strive to hire talented people regardless of their ethnic, religious, cultural or social origins. At every stage in their career, individuals are evaluated solely on the basis of their competencies and contribution to the enterprise.

Internationalizing our teams
As BNP Paribas and all its businesses grow, BNP Paribas’ global workforce has steadily increased since 2000, reaching more than 172,300 people in 2008. During this period the number of employees outside France rose from 40.8% to 60%. To support this very robust international development, BNP Paribas is recruiting and training local managers.

To learn more about international opportunities and the Talent Development Program.

Employment and inclusion of people with disabilities is a pivotal part of the Group’s commitment to addressing its corporate social responsibilities. The Group has launched several programs to promote recruitment of people with disabilities, build awareness among staff, ensure long-term employment of disabled people and increase corporate use of sheltered workshops.

In 2004, following an in-depth review of gender equality throughout the company, BNP Paribas Human Resources launched a Women’s Focus Group. Launched in France, in the US, the UK and Luxembourg, it brings together a task force of senior female executives who propose concrete actions designed to address women’s issues and expand their access to senior positions in the company.

These actions fall within three high-level goals:
• Develop women’s management potential (networking, study on the benefits of coaching, etc.)
• Strike a positive balance between work and private lives (concierge services, etc.)
• Make maternity leave a neutral factor in career advancement (managers’ guide to maternity leave, male employees’ guide to paternity leave, etc.)

Longer working lives and the growing number of people from different generations who work side by side in a company create special challenges.

BNP Paribas recognises the importance of managing age diversity, with a focus on key issues:
• Provide seniors with attractive career development opportunities to maximise their skills.
• Develop inter-generational collaboration to ensure harmonious teamwork among employees of all ages.

BNP Paribas emphasizes individual career management to address these challenges.