Inclusion & Diversity
Creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Inclusion & Diversity is a core value at Whirlpool Corporation because we know that the homes our appliances go into are not all the same, and fostering different perspectives throughout our organization helps us deliver products that improve life at home. We recognize we are on an ongoing journey to cultivate even more inclusive workplaces and thriving communities. Inclusion creates a culture of belonging where all employees and those in our communities can feel they are welcomed, valued, respected and heard.
Our strength at Whirlpool Corporation is in our differences.
"In recent years, Whirlpool Corporation has proudly activated new programs and initiatives to lift up both employees and the communities where we operate. Many of these community efforts are rooted in Benton Harbor, Michigan - the home base for our global headquarters - and some are supported by the Whirlpool Foundation. Our goal is to create meaningful experiences for our team while staying closely connected with the community in ways that are mutually beneficial. The enthusiasm of our employees fuels these difference-making programs and we are excited to see the work starting a ripple effect beyond our hometown communities."
Marc Bitzer, Chairman & CEO
Our pursuit to improve life at home is the foundation of how we’ve approached social responsibility since the beginning: we invest in our people and the communities in which we operate.
Learn more about our approach to and progress on Inclusion & Diversity in our latest Sustainability Report.
Our Pledge to Equality & Fairness
This Pledge is an extension of our company’s enduring values of Inclusion & Diversity, with a clear focus on supporting equality and fairness.
The work on the pledge requires efforts from dozens of company volunteers. These volunteers are supporting different work streams focused on Inclusion and Diversity, Education, Housing, and Business and Community Support.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Whirlpool Corporation is fully committed to transparency. View the full Federal Employer Information Report EEO-1 representing U.S. employees as of December 2023.
We Are Creating An Inclusive Culture
“I enjoy working for a company that truly believes in Inclusion & Diversity and has made this initiative a focus within our strategic agenda. It is important that the workplace culture encourages, embraces and celebrates each employee’s unique contributions.”
-Traci Robinson, Whirlpool employee
“Throughout my career with Whirlpool, I have consistently felt valued and supported as an African American employee. From all levels of leadership, I have been empowered to give back to the community and have been provided the tools, platform, and resources to do so.”
-Gerrod Moore, Whirlpool employee
"As a caregiver, the Whirlpool Family Network is a lifeline of colleagues who just 'get it'. It’s how we live our mission of improving life at home—by first supporting our own."
-Stephen Bilas, Whirlpool employee
"Supporting the Whirlpool Women's Network has been such a rewarding experience for me. I personally had to go through IVF (in vitro fertilization) as a self paid patient. I knew I wasn’t alone when I met another coworker in the lobby on an appointment. I took my experiences, joined the women’s network and worked closely with HR to advocate for fertility benefits. Despite being delayed because of Covid, Progyny fertility benefits have been offered since 2022 and over 40 babies have been born because of this benefit. Hundreds of families have access to care they never would have thanks to Whirlpool."
-Chrissy Hoagie , Whirlpool employee
"Improving life at home made complete sense to me when I started getting involved in the I&D activities at Whirlpool. Through the Networks we can not only create a positive impact on the employees, but also extent the impact to employee's families and community in general, with each initiative the volunteers we have the opportunity to generate kind connections and cultivate a strong sense of belonging, and purpose while collaborating for a common objective"
-Anayancy Campos , Whirlpool employee
Whirlpool Employee Resource Groups
Whirlpool Asian Network (WAN)
NAR
Awareness of Visible and Invisible
Disabilities (AVID)
NAR
Whirlpool Family Network (WFN)
NAR, Asia
FOCUS Network
NAR, LAR-South
Whirlpool Hispanic & Latino Network (WHL)
NAR
Mobile
Pride Network
NAR, LAR-North, LAR-South
Whirlpool Vets and Allies
NAR
Whirlpool Women’s Network (WWN)
NAR, LAR-North, LAR-South, Asia
Young Professionals Network (YP!)
NAR, LAR-North, Asia
Commitments & Progress
The following updates highlight some of the work that has been done as part of our pledge to equality and fairness to promote inclusive environments where all can thrive.
Juneteenth Day of Impact
In ongoing conversations with Benton Harbor city officials & residents, participants identified that one of the best ways Whirlpool could positively impact the community and support the city’s plan was by revitalizing the city’s parks.
Boys & Girls Club Technology Programming
For many years, Whirlpool Corporation has been a corporate sponsor of the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor and their now expanded footprint as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan.
Benton Harbor Area Schools
Investing in the area’s youth is investing in the future of the region. By partnering with Benton Harbor Area Schools, Whirlpool employees and the Whirlpool Foundation have been able to provide support in several critical areas:
Benton Harbor High School Mentoring
Building a strong foundation and a vision for the future for high school students is one key to future success. To facilitate a mentoring program at Benton Harbor High School, Whirlpool employees partnered with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG)...
Entrepreneur Microgrants
In 2021, Whirlpool Corporation partnered with Mosaic CCDA to drive the launch of Emerge Innovation Hub. As a non-profit organization, EIH is funded by local business supporters and linked with other community support organizations. Through these relationships and its board of directors, EIH is empowered to support entrepreneurs in West Michigan with business education and resources including workshops, pitch competitions, and mentors.
Expand Housing
After breaking ground in 2021, construction began on the waterfront multi-family housing complex situated in Benton Harbor across the street from Whirlpool’s North American Headquarters and Benton Harbor Technology Center.
Early Career Outreach & Recruiting
Whirlpool Corporation engages with students at job fairs, conferences, and student organization events as part of our early career talent acquisition programs in our primary operating markets. Students are encouraged to apply for roles on Whirlpool’s career site which include both early career leadership development programs and direct hire opportunities.
Berrien County Internships
Each year since 2021, Whirlpool Corporation has welcomed students to our Southwest Michigan offices as part of the Possibilities at Home (P@TH) internship program.
Apprenticeship Programs
Whirlpool Corporation supports three state-certified apprenticeship programs providing opportunities for on-the-job experiences and educational success. Participants in these programs work through a structured rotation of roles to gain exposure to...