Developing an Engaged and Inspired Workforce
A Veteran-friendly Employer – 630 Self-identified Veterans as of Year-end 2021
U. S. Veterans Magazine named CenterPoint Energy one of its 2021 “Top Veteran-friendly Companies” in recognition of our hiring practices, as well as participation in military job fairs and accessible hiring practices for those with disabilities.
Our People
We believe delivering electricity and natural gas to millions of customers across our communities takes the dedication of everyone in a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where we respect, understand and appreciate one another, as well as those we serve. Our talented workforce is critical to our success.
CenterPoint Energy places a high priority on promoting strong human capital management; sustaining a strong culture of ethics; providing professional development opportunities; fostering mutual respect at all levels; and following all labor, employment and human rights laws applicable to our business. We promote diversity, equity and inclusion and strive to maintain a safe and productive work environment where all employees are supported, valued for their contributions and free from all forms of discrimination.
Our employee benefits are designed to help employees stay healthy, care for their families, plan for their futures and enjoy peace of mind. To support our employees’ personal and professional needs, we offer a wellness program, an Education Assistance Program, volunteer opportunities, and Affinity and Employee Resource Groups.
Highlights
- All employees receive annual training on CenterPoint Energy’s Ethics and Compliance Code, which covers fair treatment, equal opportunity and workplace respect, among other issues.
- 100% of eligible employees received a performance evaluation in 2021.
- CenterPoint Energy’s 2021 internship program, provided virtual real-world experience, training and mentoring to 105 interns.
Workforce Transformation
CenterPoint Energy employees are the driving force behind our company’s success, and we are focused on providing employee development and building our culture. Like other companies in our industry, our workforce and workplace continue to evolve. In response to COVID-19, organizational changes and shifts with our employees, we are experiencing trends in our workforce, such as adding more field personnel to our Gas Operations business and transitioning our Contact Center employees to work remotely. Due to technology and infrastructure investments, working toward a decarbonized future, and our focus on building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, some demographic shifts are reflected in our workforce metrics.
Supporting Employees through COVID-19
Keeping our employees safe during COVID-19 remains a priority for CenterPoint Energy. At the onset of the pandemic, we immediately activated our Pandemic Preparedness Plan, scheduled COVID-19 Incident Command System sessions and engaged our Corporate Response Plan Team to equip our employees with the necessary protection, support and communication.
We initiated telework for many departments prior to a gradual, phased approach to returning to the office when conditions were safe to do so. We also implemented enhanced safety protocols and provided personal protective equipment gear for our employees to protect both our employees and our customers when it is necessary to enter customers’ residences or facilities.
To support physical and mental health and wellness, we communicate selfcare and stress management resources, leadership video messages on personal well-being, resources for employees using company benefits providers and Employee Assistance Program services.
A Culture of Engagement
CenterPoint Energy’s goal is to create a work environment in which every employee is engaged, aligned with our strategy, goals and priorities, and understands how they contribute to the company’s long-term performance. In order to achieve this goal, we strive to connect with our employees in meaningful ways.
Our Executive Committee holds quarterly town hall meetings with all employees to share key company updates. Employees across the company participate in-person or via video conference and are encouraged to engage in the question and answer session.
In 2020, all employees were invited to participate in CenterPoint Energy’s diversity, equity and inclusion survey to assist in continuing to develop the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and initiatives. The anonymous responses received helped the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and team members to better understand successes, challenges and opportunities. Employees shared feedback on attitudes toward diversity, culture, hiring and recruiting, diversity training programs and other workplace experiences. In response to the survey, Employee Resource Groups were launched at CenterPoint Energy.
Recent employee pulse surveys have focused on career development, safety, innovation and collaboration. These surveys help us identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
