2022 Signature Awards - Emphasizing Diversity and Inclusion

Greater focus is being placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in all aspects of life. Companies are highlighting individual differences, providing equal opportunities for growth and development, and treating each other with dignity and respect. This category showcases examples of how retirement plan communications are embracing these individual differences by using more inclusive language, imagery, and other creative methods.

1st Place – Danone with Transamerica
Danone North America is an industry leader in the food and beverage category with recognizable brands such as Dannon, Evian, Silk, and more. They have 6,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada. Danone needed to move people that were in a recently acquired retirement plan into the Danone U.S. 401(k) Plan and they knew that complex information needed to be clearly communicated in both English and Spanish. It was decided that all materials be translated into Spanish to accommodate all employees’ needs. A consistent look based on the existing Danone plan was used throughout the campaign. Messaging welcomed the new employees and images used included people of many ages, races, and genders. To reach everyone impacted, both print and digital communications were provided. These included letters, posters, mailers, flyers, emails, and a webinar that was recorded for later viewing. QR codes were placed wherever possible. The results show that the campaign was a success. Within 90 days of the transition 7 percent of the 238 impacted employees adopted Managed Advice®, 37 percent registered for an online account, 9.7 percent increased their deferral rate, 15 percent watched webinars, and 17 percent designated a beneficiary. By making sure that non-English speakers received everything they needed in their native language, Danone ensured that they were setting up their newly acquired employees for success.