Equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion
At BNP Paribas, we see value in diversity, equality and the quality of our lives together. That’s why the Group works daily with all its stakeholders to create an environment that is respectful of everyone and that is based on equal opportunities.
“As the Bank for a changing world, we truly believe that promoting diversity makes it better. It helps us as well to better serve our customers and communities from every background. As a global bank we want to welcome and retain all talents. Empower them to prosper in an inclusive workplace, regardless of gender identity, age, origin, beliefs or sexual orientation, and irrespective of whether or not they are living with a disability, as each of them have their own experience and identity.”
CIB Nordic diversity statement – developed with our employee networks
Professional equality between women and men
BNP Paribas fully integrates the challenge of professional equality in its HR programmes, including wage equality, professional promotion, training, skills development, and other areas.
Disability
BNP Paribas is committed to offering an inclusive working environment, where there is room for all talents. Disability at the workplace is everyone’s business, whether or not one is actually disabled. Many awareness-raising initiatives have been conducted with our employees to encourage dialogue and dispel the stereotypes surrounding disability at the workplace.
Multiculturalism and diversity of origins
BNP Paribas is highly committed to the diversity and wealth provided by this sharing of cultures, which take part in the Group’s development. It is on the basis of this conviction that BNP Paribas has, over the years, supported many programmes and associations working for occupational integration of persons who, unfortunately, still encounter difficulties.
Gender and LGBTQIA+
BNP Paribas has long focused on positive actions to raise awareness and eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender. We do this in our day to day activities as well as through specific events. For example: Each year, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, numerous initiatives are conducted to support a working environment promoting speaking out and dialogue. In 2022, BNP Paribas CIB was a proud sponsor of the charity run Run For Pride in Stockholm.
Age and intergenerational relations
The Group’s abundance of skills and know-how are even better when they are shared. BNP Paribas has understood that well and has therefore created gateways between generations. We work to facilitate meetings between junior and senior employees to highlight and enhance appreciation of generational diversity and allow each person to benefit from these experiences.
Employee networks
Many of our employees are engaged in one of our internal networks. The networks give every employee the opportunity to connect with other employees around topics and issues that are important to them and gives a voice to specific groups. Our employee networks also help educate people to become better citizens by informing them on customs, traditions, and practices. Some of our networks are:
- BNP Paribas PRIDE, which unites our LGBTQI+ employees and allies
- BNP Paribas MixCity, which works to increase the representation of women at every level in the company.
- Ability, for those employees impacted by a disability or a disabling or chronic illness in their personal life
- BNP Paribas CulturAll, which celebrates diverse backgrounds
BNP Paribas is a member of several networks for companies and organizations who actively strive after a successful way of working with diversity. The networks offers great opportunities for exchanging experiences and developing knowledge through regular activities.
In the Nordic region, BNP Paribas Corporate and Institutional Banking is a signatory of:
Training our managers and teams and raising their awareness
Taking action in favour of diversity, equality and inclusion also means training and raising awareness of all our teams. At BNP Paribas, actions against discrimination take various forms, including e-learning, talks, staff-development programmes, and leadership).
Celebrating diversity and inclusion
In addition to our day-to-day focus on diversity and inclusion; the bank each year organise a “Diversity & Inclusion week” with events taking place in many countries. This is an opportunity for everyone to become more aware of various issues and discuss ways in how we all can contribute to positive development. The talks we offer to our employees aim to combat stereotypes, shake up received notions, and pursue dialogue on these issues in order to promote an ever more inclusive workplace environment.