Forbes lists UC Davis Health as a Best Employer for Women, second nationwide among universities
(SACRAMENTO)
Ranked No. 29 among all 600 listed organizations, UC Davis Health’s inclusion on Forbes’ list of Best Employers for Women is a testament to the efficacy of several multi-pronged, ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusivity across the community.
The UC Women's Initiative for Professional Development (UCWI) brings together 18 participants each year from various UC locations. This allows them to cultivate a professional network, strengthen skills with hands-on learning, and gain access to top UC leaders to learn about their diverse leadership approaches and journeys. This year, the initiative received 180 applications, the highest since its inception.
UC Womxn in Tech (WIT) is an employee resource group (ERG) that fosters diversity and inclusion, specifically in IT, a field historically fraught with representation, retention, culture, and equity obstacles for women and gender non-conforming individuals. The ERG provides resources, career training, mentorship opportunities, and a platform for members to share their success stories, amplify their voices and expand their careers.
In April, the Status of Women at Davis Administrative Advisory Committee (SWADAAC) hosted its 2024 virtual summit, focusing on inclusivity, visibility, support and mentoring for women leaders. Participants attended panels on professional structures and systems that value women's contributions and discussed how UC Davis and the UC system could better support women across all campuses.
UC Davis emphasizes diversity at every step of the hiring process, offering Equal Opportunity Employment & Affirmative Action overviews, guidelines for understanding and interpreting affirmative action goals, and a new Diversity Hiring Resources webpage and toolkit for managers. As of October 2023, women hold 54.5% of Manager and Senior Professional positions, demonstrating the impact of these efforts on gender equity.
Tammy Kenber, Chief Human Resources Officer
“We’re delighted to be recognized for our efforts to create a welcoming culture and safe space for our employees; they will always be the heart of UC Davis. Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is not a stand-alone mission, and it requires constant attention. I’m looking forward to further collaborating with all the passionate, dedicated partners involved in moving us forward as an organization truly committed to DEI principles.” Tammy Kenber, Chief Human Resources Officer
In addition to career advancement programs, family care services have been crucial in supporting women employees in their efforts to balance their professional and personal lives. The Bright Path to Learning Child Development Center, a childcare facility at UC Davis Health for staff, faculty and students, has been instrumental in helping employees manage their careers and families. According to their 2024 Family Survey results show that among those who use the center,
97% meet job performance expectations
95% report being better able to concentrate on their job and be productive
86% pursue or accept higher positions
80% pursue additional education or training
The Lactation Support Program (LSP), which provides university affiliates and their partners with lactation consultations, support group meetings, and access to hospital-grade breast pumps and lactation rooms, has received overwhelmingly positive employee feedback. The 2023-24 LSP Evaluation results revealed:
90% of UC Davis Health participants reported significant positive impacts on their work or academic performance
92% of UC Davis Health participants responded that the LSP positively impacted their ability to attend work or school as necessary
The program has conducted 567 consultations and had over 153 class attendees over the past year
Comprehensive gender equity advancement is buoyed by resources like the Trans & Non-Binary Employee toolkit, which includes workplace transition plans and health benefits tailored to transgender and non-binary employees' needs, and the 2024 launch of UC Davis Health’s Gender-Affirming Care Clinic. This clinic offers care for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals, providing hormone therapy, navigation for gender-affirming surgeries, and sexual and reproductive health services in a safe and inclusive environment.
How Forbes compiled their list
America's Best Employers for Women 2024 were identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 150,000 women working for organizations employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S. from all industry sectors. Over 4 million employer evaluations were considered. The result is based on the following three assessments:
Personal recommendations: Respondents were presented with a battery of statements about their current employer, covering topics related to Atmosphere and Development, Diversity, Image, Salary/Wage, Workplace, and Working Conditions. The statements also addressed topics women are often confronted with in the workplace: Representation and Career, Pay Equity, Discrimination, Flexibility, Family Support, and Parental Leave.
Public recommendations: Women participants were asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industries or the employers of friends, acquaintances, and family members who stand out either positively or negatively.
Diversity among top executives/board: This index is based on the percentage of women among top executives and board directors.
