UP Issues ‘We Are One’ Report

Union Pacific (UP) has published online its inaugural “We Are One” Human Capital Report, covering diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I); workforce development; and recruiting efforts.

Among the 2021 report’s key highlights:
• Nearly 50% of the UP’s new hires were people of color and 13% were women.
• 50% of its Board of Directors comprised diverse individuals.
• Management promotions included 30% people of color and 20% women.
• UP earned a spot on the Noteworthy List of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by Diversity Inc., and was named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” in 2022, receiving a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
• Despite pandemic-related challenges, UP’s Recruiting team has conducted 472 virtual career fairs since 2020 to connect with potential employees.
• Nearly 200 year-round, summer and hybrid interns were employed, and 80% of eligible senior collegiate interns were offered a full-time position.
• The Second Chance hiring program was launched, providing opportunities for individuals who were formerly incarcerated a fair chance at employment.

Download the complete report below:

UP’s “Investing in Our Workforce tenant is rooted in the fact that the work every employee does matters, and how that work is accomplished is just as important as the results,” UP Executive Vice President-Sustainability and Strategy Beth Whited wrote in the report’s introduction. “Our goal is to help all employees—regardless of whether they work with trains or in an office setting—develop skill sets that enable them to grow personally and professionally, leading to fulfilling careers. Another component is our commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive culture that better reflects the markets and communities we serve.”

“To achieve our goals, we’ve taken action—launching virtual career fairs, creating strategic recruiting partnerships and promoting internship opportunities,” explained Tonya Eggspuehler, UP Assistant Vice President-Talent Management, Workforce Resources. “We’re also focusing internally to ensure we’re retaining our current talent by reimagining e-learning and training programs, increasing employee engagement initiatives and re-examining our benefit offerings.”

UP reported that it is looking to “increase its people of color population from 29.4% to 40% and double its female population to 11% by 2030.”