Diversity and Employee Relations

Our Diversity Mission
At Williams, we foster an environment that attracts a high-performing, diverse workforce. All individuals are respected and valued for their contributions and have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. We treat all employees, customers, business partners, shareholders and the communities in which we serve with respect and dignity.

Diversity Vision
Organizationally and individually we must manage diversity to increase the capabilities of our organization and our individual employees.

Integrated Diversity & Inclusion Strategy

In our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment where diversity can thrive, we integrate Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Planning into four key areas that address the following questions:

• Workforce Profile: How do we attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce to meet customer needs and business demands?
• Workforce Climate/Culture: How do we sustain a productive work climate that motivates and engages employees?
• Customer & Community Partnerships: How do we partner with our diverse customers, communities, and shareholders aligned with business strategy and enhancing image and reputation?
• Leadership: How do we promote mutual accountability and ownership for diversity?

We believe that getting this right has bottom line implications and creates an environment where employees can reach their full potential. Programs and initiatives that support that objective include:

• Enterprise-wide Diversity Council chaired by our CEO
• Active diversity teams and business resource groups throughout the company
• Ongoing diversity & inclusion training
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Mentoring
• College Relations and K-12 partnerships and outreach
• Extensive investment in the community to support numerous community organizations, making a difference in areas where Williams employees live and our businesses operate

Business Resource Groups

Business Resource Groups within Williams serve as advocates of change in support of managing diversity and provide valuable insights to management on commercial issues, as well as employee relations. These groups are employee-driven and have the full support of Williams’ management team.

The advantages gained through these groups include:

• Serve as advocates of change in support of managing diversity
• Identify issues that my hinder progress toward business and diversity goals
• Offer a source of learning and understanding, as well as, an informal support mechanism for its members
• Ensure group activities appropriately address corporate strategy, philosophy, issues and needs (may include recruiting support and educational programs, for example)
• Provide an increased sensitivity and understanding of the marketplace
• Create an inclusive environment that recognizes and utilizes all employees’ contributions to improve quality and service.

Williams currently has five groups:

• African American Business Resource Group
• Women’s Business Resource Group
• Latino Business Resource Group
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Business Resource Group
• Native American Business Resource Group