UniFirst Corporation, a North American provider of customized work uniform programs, corporate attire, and facility service products, was once again recognized for its commitment to diversity from two different organizations—2020 Women on Boards and the TRSA (Textile Rental Services Association), according to a press release.
2020 Women on Boards is a nonprofit national campaign started in 2010 to help increase the percentage of women on U.S. company boards to 20 percent or greater by the year 2020. This is the third consecutive year that UniFirst was named a winning company by the group. Winning companies are recognized for championing diversity with their boards of directors by having 20 percent or more of their board seats held by women. According to 2020 Women on Boards, the campaign has already exceeded its 20 percent national campaign goal and is further exceeding those numbers. The 2018 Gender Diversity Index of Fortune 1000 Companies reveals that women now hold 22 percent of the board seats of publicly traded companies, compared to 20.4 percent in 2017.
UniFirst was also presented with a diversity award by TRSA, a professional organization dedicated to strengthening and promoting the linen, uniform, and facility services industry. During its annual leadership and awards dinner, UniFirst was honored for implementing a diversity program that involves providing on-site English as a second language classes for employee Team Partners. UniFirst currently offers these free weekly classes after work for the diverse work force at several of its locations to make it easier for workers to attend class right after work. The company hopes to continue expanding this program into other locations across North America.
“These honors underscore UniFirst’s commitment to good corporate governance, which includes embracing and maintaining a diverse work force,” says Steven Sintros, president and CEO of UniFirst. “Having a diverse range of people across gender, age, and cultural background is invaluable to today’s businesses. With so many different and diverse minds working together, we are able to offer best-in-class services and solutions to our expanding customer base.”
