Safeway’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and thoughtful people practices is a core element of the company's philosophy, ensuring that their employees reflect the diverse communities they serve. Companies with a reputation for providing opportunities for diverse employees will have a competitive advantage in the labor market, and diversity is not a corporate initiative, it’s a living attitude deeply embedded in the Safeway culture, giving Safeway that competitive advantage. Their view of diversity is all-inclusive and covers the many ways their employees are different — including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.Safeway employs nearly 186,000 people across 22 states and Western Canada, 10,000 of those employees are people with disabilities. Safeway’s has established network groups for Women, African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and the Gay, Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Alliance, Cancer Survivors, Corporate Social Responsibility (The Green Team) and Single Moms and Dads.
The engaged, diverse workforce is a key element of why Safeway is an employer of choice in the recruitment, development and deployment of a talented employee population. This talented employee population gives Safeway greater knowledge of the preferences and habits of such a diversified marketplace, so they may develop marketing campaigns, design their stores better and provide the products consumers want to meet the needs of their consumers.Any company that employs such a diverse population will face challenges with their workforce. Safeway has Diversity Resource Boards and sponsors seven networking groups at our Corporate Offices, with chapters in various Division locations. The Network Groups focus on issues related to Women, African American, and Asian, LGBT and Hispanic individuals, single moms and our corporate social responsibility group. These Network Groups are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and providing members with opportunities for personal, professional and organizational growth.
Top management is committed to cultivating diversity at the company. Safeway provides employees with training and developmental opportunities to help build their knowledge, skills and abilities and allow them to perform their best in their current position, and prepare them for future opportunities. Safeway provides entry-level training using multi-media, mentors and on-the-job training. Areas of concentration include: customer service, diversity, food safety, workplace safety, financial analysis and a host of other topics, as they relate to each position.Safeway believes their employees are their most valuable resource.
Employees are provided training and developmental opportunities that enable them to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities, which have contributed significantly to Safeway becoming the leading retailer in our markets. Safeway’s training and development programs are designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation to achieve and contribute their best.
