PEOPLE Fostering equitable workplaces and communities - Wendy's
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FOOD
PEOPLE
Fostering equitable workplaces and communities
Increase the representation of underrepresented populations among Company
leadership and management, as well as the diversity of Wendy’s franchisees
WORKPLACE COMMUNITY
PEOPLE
WORKPLACE 6
Our founder believed the impact we make on and management, as well as the diversity of our Company employees upon starting her role
others and our communities is just as important franchisees, and we outlined a set of five focus as our Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
as the food we serve. We try to model this idea areas which we have further solidified. Officer as a way of understanding the
through our daily interactions with our team progress we have already made, challenges we
members and customers, and in the communities need to overcome and the opportunities that
where we do business. exist so we can thrive.
FOCUS AREAS:
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals
• I ncrease representation of women
reflect our ambition to have a workforce that
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in leadership
reflects the communities we serve at all levels
Wendy’s Office of Diversity, Equity and • I ncrease diverse representation in of our organization. The Company’s senior
Inclusion, in partnership with our leaders and management and leadership leaders and Board of Directors are heavily
employees, is working to create a culture in
• Understand and address what has been involved in our strategy and played an integral
which everyone can bring their true, authentic
referred to as the “broken rung” role in the creation of the goals.
selves to work and have a sense of belonging
of leadership
that drives their ability to help fulfill Wendy’s
vision of becoming the world’s most thriving • I ncrease representation of diverse and
and beloved restaurant brand. That’s why our women-owned franchisees
We rely on the diverse perspectives of
approach is firmly grounded in our Company • C
ontinue to drive diversity on our people at all levels, and particularly
values, which we strive to live by daily. We the Board of Directors in leadership, to make us stronger as an
approach Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a
organization. Wendy’s is committed to
business imperative, and are working to infuse it
devoting the time and attention required
through every part of our business. These goals will be backed by our Diversity,
to build our pipeline, train, recruit,
Equity and Inclusion Future Forward vision
advance and retain our people, and in
In our 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report, and a strategy that is focused on all people
doing so, implement the changes needed
Wendy’s announced a new goal to increase within our organization. This strategy was
to turn our goals into reality.
the representation of underrepresented informed by a listening tour and survey that
— DR. BEVERLY STALLINGS-JOHNSON, CHIEF DIVERSITY,
populations among our Company’s leadership Dr. Beverly Stallings-Johnson conducted with
EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER
6
Unless otherwise expressly stated, this section is limited to Wendy’s Company employees, not franchisees or their employees.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 22
PEOPLE
In 2021, the Board of Directors expanded the Highlighting progress on our Diversity, Equity
ENGAGING EXTERNALLY TO ADVANCE scope of its Compensation Committee to and Inclusion Goals
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION become the Compensation and Human Capital Driving an inclusive mindset and culture requires
WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION Committee, adding oversight of the Company’s purpose and intention. Wendy’s launched an
human capital management strategies and updated Leadership Competency Model designed
policies, including, without limitations, those to help identify and reinforce competencies
Our memberships with the National
regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We commonly found in our leaders.
Diversity Council and Ohio Diversity
Council help us benchmark and continue also formally signed onto the CEO Action for
Diversity & Inclusion, a community of business In 2021, an Inclusive Mindset success factor
to learn from experts in the field and
leaders pledging to take action in their was incorporated into this model, and as part
monitor evolving news and trends in this
workplaces. Wendy’s senior leaders and Board of the roll-out, we defined expectations for this
area. Learning about Diversity, Equity
of Directors will continue to be highly engaged competency at our different leadership levels. The
and Inclusion experiences and practices
in working to achieve these goals by providing intended results include leadership that provides
shared by other industry leaders and
guidance, oversight and accountability for our allyship, reduces implicit bias, promotes belonging
organizations will continue to inform our
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy, which and enhances work-life flexibility. To help drive this
focus areas and strategies.
is built on data and business insights. change, during 2021, Wendy’s rolled out a toolkit, a
webinar series featuring senior leaders, and other
OUR JOURNEY resources, including a self-development playbook
and an updated interview guide to assess
candidates for these success factors.
2019 Created multi-year strategy
Heightened education Demonstrating an inclusive mindset is
2020 and accountability
essential to being a great Wendy’s team
member and is identified as one of our five
Established Office of Diversity, Leadership Success Factors. Providing
2021 Equity and Inclusion
support to others different than you
and making everyone feel welcome are
AND Incorporating changes and
BEYOND demonstrating progress essential attributes of our culture.
Wendy’s leaders and President Stephanie Hightower of the
Columbus Urban League, at the 2021 CUL Empowerment
— COLEY O’BRIEN, CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Day where Wendy’s was recognized with the Corporate
Empowerment Award
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 23
PEOPLE R E P R E S E N TA T I O N B Y G E N D E R , R A C E A N D E T H N I C I T Y 7: This chart covers Wendy’s Company employees across our global presence in 2021, except the race and ethnicity information reflects U.S. employees only. Changes to the Company’s methodology to improve the accuracy of how we are tracking and reporting on 7 employee metrics account for the change in 2020 employee metrics and segmentation of those metrics compared to 2020 Corporate Responsibility report. 2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 24
PEOPLE
Increase representation of women Increase diverse representation in To further make diverse representation a
in leadership management and leadership focus of our recruiting, Wendy’s is continuing
In 2021, we participated in McKinsey & Company The actions we will continue to take to increase to focus on training and education, including
and LeanIn.org’s annual “Women in the diverse representation in management and training related to implicit bias, and continuing
Workplace” study for the fifth straight year. leadership include: to leverage standardized processes and tools
We have continued to participate in this study • A
ctively monitoring and reporting on current to support our commitment to being a proud
to gain insight on how we are progressing in demographic data by race and ethnicity equal employment opportunity employer.
advancing gender diversity in our workplace.
• E
xpanding recruitment to institutions with
We consider this data to identify opportunities An important part of our strategy to recruit
strong diverse talent
for enhancing focus and practices that can diverse talent is continuing and expanding
truly make a difference, including in the areas of • C
ontinued commitment to training and our engagement with historically Black
recruitment, training and allyship. development in this area, including related to colleges and universities (HBCUs). Our
mitigating bias and allyship continued partnership with the Thurgood
In addition to driving change within our own • Leveraging our employee resource groups Marshall College Fund, a non-profit which
organization, Wendy’s Chief People Officer provides HBCU and PBI students with unique
Coley O’Brien, who has been a critical developer Inclusive recruitment scholarship, professional development and
of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy, Over this past year, we have expanded our career opportunities, is one of the ways we are
was elected to the board of directors of the talent acquisition team to help support our demonstrating our commitment to reaching
Women’s Foodservice Forum, which works to inclusive external recruitment efforts. We have a broad and diverse candidate pool (more
increase opportunities for women and cultivate also continued to grow our connections with information on our ongoing partnership with
gender-diverse leadership across the food diversity-focused agencies and organizations Thurgood Marshall College Fund can be found
service industry. and invested in new databases to help ensure in the Community section of this report).
our external job postings are reaching a broad Likewise, through our sponsorship of the 2021
and diverse candidate pool. We have also Historically Black Colleges & Universities
added a page for veterans on our Career Site Classic football game in Columbus, Ohio, and
and posted job listings on veteran-focused other similar events, our leaders have had an
recruiting websites. opportunity to engage with students and show
them what a career at Wendy’s can offer.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 25
PEOPLE
Understand and address what has been Increase representation of diverse and Continue to drive diversity on our
referred to as the “broken rung” of leadership women-owned franchisees Board of Directors
Two important roles in our organization are In 2021, we introduced and expanded our Having a Board of Directors that reflects the
restaurant general managers and district franchisee financing options to help support communities we serve is valuable to ensuring our
managers. We are proud that the majority of opportunities for new and existing franchisees, Company benefits from diverse perspectives. The
our general managers today are women and/or including women and entrepreneurs from Board seeks members from diverse professional
people of color. diverse backgrounds: and personal backgrounds who combine a broad
• First Women’s Bank: In 2021, to create spectrum of experience and expertise with a
However, we recognize that the representation of pathways into the Wendy’s System for reputation for integrity. More information on our
women and people of color declines at the next women entrepreneurs, Wendy’s supported Board composition, including the skills, attributes,
level of leadership at district manager, which is a First Women’s Bank as a Mission Partner. qualifications and diversity of our directors, can be
multi-unit operator role. McKinsey has noted this First Women’s Bank is a women-founded, found in our proxy statement.
as a potential trend, not limited by industry, and -owned and -led commercial bank with a
identified this as the “broken rung” for early-in- strategic focus on the women’s economy
career management positions. We are working to in the United States. Together, we will work THIRD-PARTY RECOGNITION OF
better understand and address the various factors WENDY’S CULTURE OF DE&I
to help bridge the gender lending gap and
that may contribute to this issue where possible expand economic opportunity for women-
and appropriate. owned businesses. A number of organizations recognized Wendy’s over
the past year for our commitment to creating an
• B
uild-to-Suit: In 2021, Wendy’s announced
inclusive culture:
a $100 million investment in a Build-to-Suit
• Forbes named Wendy’s one of the world’s 300 most
program to reduce barriers for potential
female-friendly companies — one of only three
franchisees. The program, which is available restaurant brands to make the list.
to franchisees in the U.S., Canada and the
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) named Wendy’s
United Kingdom, enables eligible individuals
a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, and
who might otherwise not have the resources we received a 100% score on the organization’s
to operate a Wendy’s restaurant to do so Corporate Equality Index.
with decreased capital investment of their • In 2021, three Wendy’s Company employees
own. Wendy’s also created more competitive, received top recognition from the National
lower liquidity and net worth requirements Diversity Council for leadership in Diversity,
for all new franchise applicants. Equity and Inclusion.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 26
PEOPLE
Supporting employees Each group holds events and participates in
Sponsored by E.J. Wunsch,
Wendy’s offers a variety of resources to programming to help promote its internal Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
support our Company employees and team mission. Highlights from 2021 include:
members during and outside of the workday. Wendy’s Cultural Diversity Employee
Resource Group
Wendy’s maintains and supports Employee Sponsored by Todd A. Penegor,
President and CEO WCD played an important role in shaping
Resource Groups for Restaurant Support Center
Wendy’s global fluency training curriculum,
employees to function as forums for learning endy’s Black Employee Resource Group
W
including working with the Columbus Council
and inclusion, each with an executive sponsor WeBERG celebrated Black History Month in
on World Affairs to ensure the information and
from our senior leadership team. These groups February by launching learning opportunities
tools are relevant and practical.
heighten our opportunities to celebrate different and programs including music, podcast
backgrounds, empower employees to bring their discussions and monthly history updates
Sponsored by Abigail Pringle, President,
authentic selves to work and offer leadership throughout the year. International and Chief Development Officer
and professional development opportunities.
Sponsored by Liliana Esposito, omen of Wendy’s Employee Resource Group
W
They also allow our leaders to actively participate
Chief Corporate Affairs and WOW hosted a female franchisee
in grassroots mentoring and coaching and help Sustainability Officer
panel discussion highlighting two of Wendy’s
deepen connections between our employees Wendy’s Equality Employee Resource Group
female franchisees, their approach to leadership
and the community. In June, WeQual celebrated Pride Month by
and creating an inclusive culture.
raising a pride flag outside Wendy’s Dublin,
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS Ohio Restaurant Support Center, and employees
shared experiences about being a member of Sponsored by Kurt Kane, President,
U.S. and Chief Commercial Officer
the LGBTQ+ community at Wendy’s.
Black Military Military Veterans & Families Employee
Employees Veterans &
Families
Resource Group
(WeBERG) Sponsored by Kevin Vasconi,
(WeVets)
Chief Information Officer To celebrate Veterans Day, WeVets partnered
with the National Veterans Memorial and
Women of
LGBTQ+
Wendy’s Young Professionals Resource Group Museum (NVMM) in Columbus, Ohio to dedicate
Wendy’s
(WeQual)
(WOW) WenGen stepped into summer with its 5 Cup a bench in honor of Wendy’s founder Dave
Challenge – a networking initiative that challenged Thomas’ military service.
Culturally Young its members to gain perspective by sitting down
Diverse Professionals
Employees (WenGen) and talking with five different Wendy’s colleagues
(WCD)
they don’t normally work with.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 27
PEOPLE
Wendy’s established WeCare in 2017 to
provide short-term financial assistance to
team members within the Wendy’s System in
the U.S., U.S. Territories and Canada who have
As part of Wendy’s Community Giving Program, been negatively affected by provincial, state
each Employee Resource Group was eligible or federal-declared natural disasters or states
to request a grant to support a charitable of emergencies and are experiencing financial
organization of its choice that aligns with both hardship. Since its inception, approximately
the Company’s giving strategy and the group’s 300 individuals have received nearly $130,000
distinct mission and philanthropy pillar. The goal in financial assistance through WeCare.
is to create meaningful partnerships, not just
provide financial support. In 2021, we provided more than 30 grants,
most of which were for support after
The 2021 grants went to: Hurricane Ida, which caused damage and
• Son of a Saint (WeBERG) disruption to many Wendy’s restaurant team
members along the Gulf and East Coasts.
• Kaleidoscope Youth Center (WeQual)
WeCare was also made available to assist
• Star House (WenGen) restaurant team members who were affected
• Zora’s House (WCD) by torrential flooding in Western Canada.
• Central Community House (WOW)
• W
ounded Warrior Project and the
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
(WeVets)
$130k
in financial assistance
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 28
PEOPLE
Education and training Eligible Company employees can take
Wendy’s offers robust training and advantage of additional education and
development programs to help our team training opportunities, ranging from virtual
members achieve their true potential. and in-person courses hosted and/or led
Our training journey is based on a by Wendy’s to opportunities to participate
progression – from programs that cover in third-party industry conferences and
the core and limited-time menu items, to trainings. Our Employee Assistance Program
programs that can be leveraged to help also provides a catalogue of health, including
amplify leadership and development. In emotional health, and wellness training
2021, across the Wendy’s System, team programs and resources.
members completed nearly 1.7 million
hours of training, including a mix of online
and hands-on training in the restaurant, as
well as a mandatory food safety standards
courses. In 2021, we also introduced an
updated interview guide with related
training materials for Company employees.
Wendy’s also offers a wide variety of
training and development programs that
can be accessed by interested managers
to help them invest in their own personal
and professional development.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 29
PEOPLE
Recognition Benefits • Inclusive Care – Through this new program,
We are proud of our Wendy’s family, and we Wendy’s regularly adjusts pay to keep pace with LGBTQ+ plan members can find providers and
continue to take opportunities to celebrate industry standards at all Company employee facilities identified by our insurer as LGBTQ+
and recognize significant achievements and levels, including at the restaurant level and for friendly. WeQual, Wendy’s Equality Employee
our Restaurant Support Center employees, but Resource Group, played an important role in
contributions to the Wendy’s community.
competitive pay is only the beginning. In 2021, championing this new benefit.
In 2021, this included:
Wendy’s made changes to our benefits designed to
make them even more holistic for eligible employees These benefit enhancements complement policies
by supporting employees’ personal health and already in place for eligible Company employees8
General
financial well-being. that include:
500 Managers
↓
recognized • 401(k) match waiting period – As of the beginning • Health – Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs,
of 2022, Wendy’s has expanded its 401(k) match telehealth and vaccination
policy, which was previously available to employees • Mental health – Free, confidential 24/7 counseling
after one year or 1,000 hours worked, to eliminate support for Company employees — whether
U.S. team
16 the waiting period. That way, everyone who
↓
leaders enrolled in a company medical plan or not —
recognized contributes to the Company’s 401(k) plan can through our Employee Assistance Program
receive the match without delay.
• Financial – Incentive bonuses, commuter and
• New well-being program – Employees enrolled in parking benefits and pre-tax savings account
a Wendy’s medical plan will now have access to an contributions
COMPANY
22 Employees online personal health tool provided by our insurer.
↓
EMPLOYEES
OF THE YEAR
recognized • Work/life – Paid sick leave for regular (non-intern,
The tool answers users’ personal health questions
temp, contractor) Company employees (including
and connects them to the right resources to meet
part-time restaurant team workers) and bonding
their needs. It even offers the opportunity to earn up
leave, adoption assistance, life insurance and
to $200 in rewards annually for setting and keeping
Winners a breast milk shipping allowance for eligible
12 to health goals.
↓
across Company employees
the globe • At-home physicals – Plan participants can now
complete their annual physicals with a doctor via a
virtual visit from the comfort of their own homes.
GLOBAL
15 Winners
↓
EXCELLENCE
AWARD
Eligibility varies and is governed by the terms of the applicable plans/policies.
8
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 30PEOPLE
A safe and respectful workplace lifted, we remain committed to continuing to
For the sixth consecutive year, we partnered monitor the situation and evolve our approach
EVOLVING OUR WORKPL ACE
with a third party to administer our Voice of as required and as necessary and appropriate to
Wendy’s employee engagement survey for all support the safety and comfort of team members,
Company employees, and franchisees also had customers and the communities we serve.
the option to engage in the survey for their own
organization. In 2021, nearly 50,000 Company
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we and franchise team members across the Wendy’s
listened to our current and prospective System participated. The results give the
employees, and we have adapted to help Company and participating franchisees valuable
continue to make Wendy’s a place where top insights into employee engagement that can be
talent from every background and perspective used to help strengthen culture and attract and
wants to join and stay. In 2021, Wendy’s retain talent.
introduced a number of enhancements to the
Company employee experience including a We also continue to have high standards for our
flex work program, which offers many office- supplier partners as outlined in our Supplier
based employees greater flexibility for getting Code of Conduct. In keeping with the code,
their work done. we expect suppliers, and their suppliers and
contractors to comply with applicable local,
state/provincial and federal laws and regulatory
requirements surrounding human rights and
labor practices, including hiring, use of child
labor, safety and health, housing, working
hours, discrimination, harassment and ensuring
employment is always voluntary.
In December 2021, Wendy’s published a
People & Ethics Report that outlined the ways
we stayed connected to our key U.S. and
Canadian suppliers following the onset of the
COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on worker
safety, health and well-being. Although many
COVID-19 specific requirements have been
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 31PEOPLE
COMMUNITY OUR GIVING
Wendy’s launched a number of partnerships
focused on social justice in 2020. In 2021,
In 2021, highlights of our Company
we continued to support those causes
contributions included:
Wendy’s continued to work with the Columbus
and strengthened our new and existing
Urban League (CUL) on workforce development
relationships — including those with the
Thurgood Marshall College Fund, YWCA
and opportunity creation, including the
continuation of Wendy’s Workforce Institute
$125K
Columbus and the Columbus Urban League. to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
— a paid training experience for young adults Leadership Institute.
in the Central Ohio community. Wendy’s
was also honored with the CUL’s 2021 Honda $100K
Empowerment Day award in recognition of the over four years to Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Company’s dedication to advancing Diversity, to support its new Rooted in You campaign to
021 was our third year supporting the
2 reimagine ending hunger.
Equity and Inclusion in Central Ohio through
Leadership Institute at the Thurgood Marshall
$50K
contributions to the social justice movement
College Fund. In addition to funding, Wendy’s
and support of workforce development for
leaders delivered presentations on leadership, to Columbus Urban League for programming
young persons of color.
global branding and personal branding to more focused on workforce development.
than 400 attendees, and participated in a virtual
recruitment fair.
Charitable giving
As part of Wendy’s ongoing philanthropic
$50K
to YWCA Columbus to support its Youth
efforts, including our Community Giving Development and Early Childhood Education
Program, we made donations to a variety of program.
organizations across the globe that align with
Wendy’s supported YWCA Columbus and its our core categories of charitable support: foster NEARLY $50K
Youth Development and Early Childhood care adoption, hunger and food integrity, youth to nine U.S., U.K. and Canadian organizations
throughout Wendy’s global restaurant footprint.
Education program, which included scholarship and families and vibrant communities.
opportunities for high-quality youth
development summer camp and after-school $30K
programs. We also sponsored the YWCA Columbus’ in grants to organizations selected by Wendy’s
six Employee Resource Groups to jumpstart
virtual racial equity training event, Activists and sustainable partnerships with organizations that
Agitators, for the second year in a row. support each group’s mission.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 32PEOPLE
Wendy’s founder established the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada
with one primary goal: to help find forever
families for children waiting in foster care.
To date, the Wendy’s System has raised more than
$257 million to help advance the Foundation’s life-
changing programs, including Wendy’s Wonderful
Kids®, through which nearly 12,000 children have
been adopted across the U.S. and Canada. In
2021 alone, Wendy’s, along with our franchisees
and employees, raised more than $22.5 million to
benefit the Foundation’s mission through:
• U
.S. and Canada in-restaurant fundraising
campaigns
• W
endy’s Family Night at our franchise and
supplier convention
• Frosty 5K Run for Adoption
• D
onations from our generous partners, The commitment of the entire Wendy’s family to raise funds,
Coca-Cola® and Dr Pepper®, via an in-app allowing us to dramatically increase the number of adoptions
redemption program through which more than of children waiting in North America’s foster care systems, has
181,000 Wendy’s U.S. customers received a changed the journey for nearly 12,000 children. Together, we will
free beverage of any size with purchase achieve Dave Thomas’ dream that every child waiting in foster
care will quickly be surrounded by the comfort and safety that
only a permanent, loving family can provide.
— R ITA SO RO N EN , PRES ID EN T & C EO
DAV E T H O M AS FOU N DATION FOR AD OPTION
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 33PEOPLE
WENDY’S GIVES BACK
Restaurant Support Center upgrades furnish More ways to help: Casa Valentina
an opportunity for giving Since 2006, Casa Valentina has been
Wendy’s Restaurant Support Center serves helping young people in the Miami area
to enhance the operation of Company who are at risk or were previously in foster
and franchised restaurants. The Human care make the transition to independent
Service Chamber of Franklin County, Ohio, living. When Wendy’s Latin America and
is a chamber of commerce for more than Caribbean region team learned about the
140 health and human services nonprofits. organization, they saw a chance to help, as
In 2021, those two fixtures in the Ohio the organization’s focus ties into Wendy’s
community found common cause in a support of foster care adoption.
concrete act of giving.
In 2020 and 2021, the team secured
Working together, members of our Restaurant grants to Casa Valentina totaling $12,500
Support Center team and Human Service through Wendy’s Community Giving
Chamber of Franklin County devised a plan Program and made an additional donation
that would benefit the non-profits the Human of $2,000 to supplement the grants. The
Service Chamber supports and find a suitable donations supported the organization’s life
home for office furniture and fixtures the skills and residential programming. Beyond
Restaurant Support Center was replacing, the grants, the team volunteered on site
rather than sending them to a landfill. Through to make updates to the facility and
their efforts, more than 280 pieces of furniture forge meaningful connections with the
went to 18 organizations across the area. program’s students.
2021 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 34You can also read
