“There are very few companies in the US that recognize diversity for what it is – an equal representation and opportunities for all, rather than a business case for success. Jones Lang LaSalle is among the top of them!”
JLL has been at the forefront of leading change in corporate America. The company has not only been receiving accolades for its diversity and inclusion practices but has one of the happiest teams. So, what makes them the best for DEI and how did they get there? Today we cast a spotlight on JLL’s successful journey in giving every person and voice the equal opportunity they deserve.
JLL’S ODE TO DEI
JLL has equity and inclusion programs designed to break barriers and build new connections for diverse talent. This includes opportunities for all genders, ethnicities, races, religions, and sexual orientations. This representation also opens to a multitude of thinking styles, beliefs, generations, and education.
Furthermore, equally important is inclusion. For the real estate company, DEI isn’t in numbers and quotas. It is way more than that. It values inclusion where respect and mutual understanding foster an environment of peace, harmony, and productivity. This is further encouraged through business resource groups which are safe spaces led by employees to encourage discussion. They are comprised of more than 7,500 people around 200 locations with at least six different groups targeted toward different employees.
JLL also pulled its sponsorship from GreenPearl’s New York Multifamily Summit where the CEO was slated to give a keynote speech because of the absence of a diverse group of speakers at the event. This goes on to prove the company’s commitment to change the culture on a broader level.
EQUITY & INCLUSION PROGRAMS FOR OPPORTUNITIES
JLL has a comprehensive list of equity and inclusion programs carefully designed to increase business and career opportunities for underrepresented groups. These programs include but are not limited to skill-based support, job opportunities, financial investment, and mentorship for marginalized individuals to soar high in their careers.
These new and expanded programs focus on attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent by targeting systematic changes. Some of the intended initiatives include targeting more women, recruiting underrepresented talent, and breaking financial barriers to entry into brokerage and capital markets. Another aim of these programs is to set a benchmark for the other companies in the US to take lead and bring the change. The results of this hard work are already evident with the commitment to D&I truly starting at the top with the Board of Directors making up one of the most diverse of all Fortune 500 companies.
MAKING ENTRY INTO REAL ESTATE EASY FOR ALL
JLL has not only changed its company culture but is striving to change the landscape for the real estate industry as well. It has recently introduced a loan repayment program with diverse employees in mind. The program will help employees hired after 1st January 2021 to receive $5000 every year in loan repayment support for up to three years. This makes at least $150,000 in total compensation for JLL’s underrepresented hires.
For college graduates with student loan debt, the commission-based salary structure for transaction sales has proven difficult for many to consider as a first job applicant. Research suggests women and people of color graduate with a disproportionate amount of student loans, this means the industry is losing out to a massive talent pool. With these investment programs, JLL wants to help diverse graduates. This helps reduce inequities and financial barriers to entry. JLL has already invested $4 million to fund entry-level compensation for racially diverse and female sales professionals, supplementing the industry's traditional commission-based salary models.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FOR JLL
The number of awards and accolades that JLL has received in the last few years is a list in itself. They have recently been listed on top as America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2021. For the sixth consecutive year, JLL earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). They have also been named in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI).
Among other recognition, JLL has received over the past few years include ranks in One of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies, Disability Equality Index, Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index, One of the FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies, and a perfect score in World’s Equality Index for seven consecutive years. The list doesn’t end here, and more accolades and achievements can be found on their website.
“JLL’s case study is an example that diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t a lost cause and is achievable in every industry. If more US companies learn from their experience and implement even a quarter of what they have, the corporate sector in America would become a better place for marginalized and underrepresented communities.”