Diversity, equity and Inclusion are core to who we are, what we do and how we do it.
Initiatives
Over the past year, we have renewed our enterprisewide commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are progressing several initiatives with the intention of delivering meaningful and sustained impact in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion for our company, including internal and external initiatives, programs and partnerships.
Our companywide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, comprised of colleagues from all levels and areas of our businesses and corporate functions, assists in leading conversations and driving diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the organization, such as:
- CenterPoint Energy’s 2020 diversity, equity and inclusion anonymous survey engaged all employees on attitudes toward diversity, culture, hiring and recruiting, diversity training programs and other workplace experiences.
- Based on survey responses, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council launched six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in 2021 and one in 2022.
- Creating a leadership talent pipeline that builds a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment that is reflective of the available workforce, placing a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership development programs and talent reviews.
Affinity and Employee Resource Groups
Our Affinity groups are formed around a shared interest or common goal for employees across CenterPoint Energy. Affinity groups help us build community, enhance purposeful networking and employee engagement across our company, promote career development, and offer leadership and professional development opportunities.
Affinity Groups:
- EnPoint: Gas Engineering employees
- EPN: Electric Engineering employees
- EV Point: Employees who are electric vehicle enthusiasts
- MyPoint: Finance, IT and Audit Services employees
- OnPoint: Employees who work in Operations and functional areas across Houston
Employee Resource Group Showcase Sponsored by Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
In 2022, a special celebration of our rich diversity in perspective, thought and experience was held so employees could hear directly from representatives of our seven ERGs and learn how to participate. Our ERGs provide vital opportunities for networking, mentoring, professional development, assistance with recruiting diverse candidates to the company, and promotion of the company’s business goals and advancement of our strategy.
“I believe the success of CenterPoint Energy’s business goals and strategy will depend on making our organization look more like the communities we serve,” said Dave Lesar, President and Chief Executive Officer. “When we hold a mirror up to our communities, it is important that we see the faces of our CenterPoint Energy employees reflected back. We have already made a lot of progress, with even more yet to come.”
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS
As a result of our 2020 diversity, equity and inclusion employee survey, we announced the 2021 launch of ERGs at CenterPoint Energy. These groups offer opportunities to connect internally, attract a diverse employee base, promote inclusion by ensuring that different viewpoints are heard and ideas are considered, and create opportunities for mentoring and professional development. ERGs enable us to capitalize on the extraordinary resources of our employees.
Our ERGs’ goals and activities are aligned with CenterPoint Energy’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vision and Positioning statement, as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council’s strategic goals. ERGs are employee-led, operated with oversight by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and are open to all employees. ERGs can contribute to increasing the diversity of the applicant pool and improving retention, as well as reaching traditionally underrepresented or underserved customers, clients, suppliers, and communities. ERGs can also help enhance civic engagement and strengthen CenterPoint Energy’s connections and reputation in the communities we serve.
ERGs Launched in 2021-2022:
- Black Employees Network
- CNP Asian Professionals
- CNP Military Network
- CNP Pride
- Cultural Niketan of India
- Hispanic & Latin Professional Network
- Women in Leadership
A CenterPoint Energy ERG, Cultural Niketan of INDIA, celebrated Diwali – the Festival of Lights – by holding onsite celebrations. The group’s objective is to promote the welfare of community and an attitude of gratitude. The ERG is open to all employees, and opportunities are available to serve in leadership positions.
Recruiting
Our Talent Acquisition team is at the forefront of our efforts to create a workforce reflective of the communities we serve. We support best practices for promoting diversity through our recruitment process, and we actively recruit and hire veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Nationally, we partner with Disability Solutions, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, LocalJobNetwork (Circa) and RecruitMilitary.
Local partnerships include:
Houston
Texas Diversity Council, S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities, Lone Star Veterans Association, Playsmint, SER Jobs, Workforce Solutions, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, Houston Area Urban League, Women in Construction, and NextOp
Minneapolis
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minneapolis Urban League, Step Up, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation
Evansville
Evansville Vet Center, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, YWCA of Evansville, Evansville Arc, and Vanderburgh County Veterans Services
College Recruiting Program
Our College Recruiting program maintains partnerships with student organizations at many of the schools throughout our footprint. Internships, co-ops and entry-level job opportunities are offered throughout the company.
We use diverse interview panels for candidate interviews to promote diversity when we interview prospective new hires for opportunities across our company.