Employee Network Groups
Our Employee Network Groups are just one example of our company's commitment to inclusiveness. In 2006, as we prepared to complete the acquisition of nearly 700 Osco/Savon drug stores in central and west coast states, it was clear that embracing the work of their existing affinity groups was imperative in merging our cultures.
CVS senior management listened and were moved by reports of leadership development through effective employee mentoring programs, and community service efforts, which yielded strong brand recognition in operating markets.
Today, CVS Caremark has 11 employee network groups in our major retail markets and 4 groups at our corporate office in Woonsocket, R.I. These groups represent women, African American, Latino, Asian, mature and GLBT colleagues. Membership in each group is open to any employee who supports the mission of a given group.
The network groups create annual business plans, which focus on career development, mentoring and community outreach. These volunteer groups show their commitment to the success of our company by creating a voice and vehicle through which every employee may contribute.
Area Diversity Leadership Teams
Our Area Diversity Leadership Teams drive inclusive practices within the major operating markets of our 6,900 retail stores. In 2005, our research clearly indicated that our colleagues measure the company's commitment to diversity based on the leadership practices they observe from their local management. As a result, the Area Leadership Teams were formed in 2006 with the purpose of driving accountability to senior field management for leading diversity efforts.
Currently, eight teams of field management meet regularly, within their respective markets, to create new concepts that address our commitment to diversity, ensuring fair treatment of all colleagues, building diversity knowledge, and leading by example. As a result, our most recent company diversity survey yielded positive movement in scores which measure employees' awareness of the company's efforts to build a diverse workforce and an environment of acceptance and inclusion.