Forbes’ 1st ‘female-friendly’ workplace list cites 3 from NJ

In October, Reuters reported that the labor force for women is down by approximately 2 million compared with February 2020 — a number that’s about twice that of men in the same age bracket, 20 years and older. But, as upheavals brought on and exacerbated by the pandemic drove women from the workforce, some progress  was evident.

Released Nov. 2, the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies 2021 list from Forbes recognizes employers that strive to promote and support women within, and outside of, their workforces.

Forbes worked with market research company Statista Inc. to compile the inaugural Female-Friendly list, ranking the 300 companies that garnered the most recommendations. Of the companies listed, however, according to the magazine just 30 are led by women.

All appearing in the 200s, just three companies from New Jersey earned spots on the list: Camden-based Campbell Soup Co. came in at No. 294, Madison-based Realogy ranked at No. 290 and New Brunswick-based Johnson & Johnson placed highest of the trio, coming in at No. 208.

Working for women

“Realogy is a longtime champion for women, not only in the real estate industry but in business overall,” said the company’s chief people officer, Tanya Reu-Narvaez. “This honor is more important today than ever before as we face a pivotal moment for women in a transforming workplace. With a combination of remote and office-based employees, Realogy is deeply focused on fostering a culture that prioritizes flexibility, connectivity, and wellness – where it’s not just up to women to lean in, it’s up to all of us to create a culture of inclusion where all employees are empowered to thrive.”

According to Realogy, women make up 30% of the company’s board of directors and 60% of its Executive Committee.

The company offers an employee-led Home Network for Parents and Caregivers program, introduced at the start of the pandemic to support child care and household changes by creating a network of support for participants. And, there is a Women’s Employee Resource Group, which offers events and discussions dealing with career growth, leadership and more, according to Realogy.

Other programs to encourage and benefit women include its Inclusive Ownership Program, What Moves Her and Century 21’s Empowering Latinas initiative.

The real estate services company is a national partner of WomanUp, which aims to increase representation of women-owned brokerages and women in corporate leadership positions in the industry.

Campbell also has an employee resource group – Women of Campbell – dedicated to empowering and developing women. And the organization said it partners with Network of Executive Women to offer professional development and networking for its employees.

At company headquarters in Camden, Campbell offers on-site day care facilities. Other accommodations include flexible work arrangements, job-sharing opportunities, parental leave and adoption assistance to help employees “navigate and excel in their careers.”

“One of the pillars of Campbell’s strategic plan is to build a winning team and culture, with a focus on creating an inclusive and diverse environment where all employees can reach their full growth potential,” said Senior Vice President, Chief Culture Officer and Head of Talent Camille Pierce . “We are proud to be named as one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies in recognition of our commitment to promote gender equality at all levels of our company.”

The World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies 2021 was put together by surveying 85,000 women in 40 countries, Forbes said. Participants were asked to rate their employers on criteria such as parental leave and pay equity. They were also asked to evaluate other employers operating in their respective industries.

Additionally, Statista had participants rate employers on gender equality as expressed in the companies’ commitment to corporate responsibility, public perception and marketing. Executive and board level representation were also taken into account.