It was extremely gratifying to see Experian named a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register this week.
No surprise to me. (Though I may be partial.)
To be sure, this is an important milestone. Although we have been part of the Orange County community for 40+ years, this is the first time we have participated in the Top Workplaces Survey. Additionally – and importantly – this was a recognition that was earned by the feedback of our employees who genuinely appreciate their work environment and the Experian culture. That means we, as a company, are putting the right focus on our employees – or as we prefer to call them, our team members.
It was further gratifying when Steve Churm, vice president of the OC Register and Freedom Communications, said: “The Orange County Register’s top workplace initiative identifies 100 companies that truly understand the essential link between a positive corporate culture and bottom line performance and growth. Experian is one of those great companies in the heart of Orange County that recognize their key assets are their employees, and that their well-being and growth drives Experian’s success.”
That speaks volumes to our company’s vision. CEO of Experian North America Victor Nichols sums it up well: “This honor is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and longstanding tradition of creating an enriching and rewarding work environment that benefits our clients, consumers, communities and team members.”
In addition to fostering a great work environment, Experian was recognized for being a “socially responsible” company, ranking third amongst large companies in social responsibility. That, too, is a significant recognition given the company’s vast Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and noting that community involvement is at the heart of Experian.
Last year, Experian employees contributed over 18,000 hours in volunteer time for our worldwide philanthropy partners, while raising and donating $6.1 million. In Orange County, the Experian employees from our North American headquarters in Costa Mesa raised $138,000 and volunteered 2,284 hours with important local causes such as CHOC and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Dayna Parker, chief human resources officer for Experian North America, shared this: “From our commitment to financial literacy to our ongoing relationships with UCI and the Orange County Business Council, and our volunteerism to Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Experian team members continue to make a difference within the Orange County community. There are a lot of reasons why people love working at Experian, but our commitment to the communities where we work is a big part of our culture and our values.”
If you get to know our company, and you get to know our team members and you understand our vision, I’m confident you will appreciate why we are a Top Workplace … and why I wasn’t surprised. This is a great company.