We invite you to download our 2021 Corporate Citizenship and ESG Report. This report includes details on our approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs and metrics in our employer standards, community connections, environmental policies and risk management practices.
Here, we highlight the programs and policies that support a culture of inclusion and diversity at UMB.
Courage, curiosity and belonging
Our commitment is more than diverse representation. We’ve moved beyond a diversity compliant mindset to view inclusion and diversity as critical to our business.
To cultivate an environment of inclusion is to unlock the richness of that diversity, to provide equitable access to financial products and services, and pave the path for diverse suppliers to do business with us as a means to increase wealth and support local economies.
Associate diversity
As an early CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion‡ signatory, we regularly review details and progress of our inclusion strategy with our executives and board. We place inclusion first since only through inclusion can diversity act as a catalyst to belonging and engagement to deliver an unparalleled experience.
In 2021, 34% of UMB hires were people of color, 52% were women and 2% were veterans. Additionally, 50% of our executive leadership team are women and/or people of color. These metrics demonstrate where we stand today and serve as motivation for our continued focus on bringing diverse voices to UMB.
“Our commitment to diversity is woven through every stage of the associate experience—each touchpoint creating a shared purpose, which encourages individual successes and rewards. We strive to understand our associates’ passions and align with their needs so we can strengthen our connections and work together to further customer goals. Our efforts provide results.”
– Mariner Kemper, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UMB Financial Corporation
Training and engagement
Educating and increasing awareness among our leaders and associates about inclusion, what it looks like, and the role each of us has is a top priority for UMB. Specific topics we leverage include courage, curiosity, cultural intelligence, mitigating unconscious bias, psychological safety, inclusive leadership and more.
The UMB culture ensures we apply an inclusion and diversity lens to all associate policies to foster an associate experience of respect leading to engagement and a sense of belonging. This lens is embedded into our training, recruiting and succession planning practices to further mitigate unconscious bias in talent management processes.
We focus on what is relevant to our unique associate base. Our training conveys why inclusion is important, what inclusion looks like and how each associate is part owner of the company’s inclusion and diversity efforts.
For all associates, we provide options to obtain professional development such as self-paced online learning on unconscious bias, microaggressions/affirmations, empathy and teamwork.
Business resource groups (BRGs)
BRGs are associate-led groups that are valuable resources to our business lines by enhancing associate engagement, providing insight to leaders, and driving change to create a more inclusive culture.
Involvement in a business resource group also provides associates with leadership development, project and change management opportunities, mentorship from executives, community volunteerism, and networking with colleagues.
Our BRGs are vital in talent attraction, recruitment, development and retention, which helps us serve our clients and drive business growth. Any associate may join any BRG regardless of identity.
Culture of inclusion and respect
We foster a culture of fairness, respect, and equal treatment of our associates, customers, and those in our communities. We have policies in place that provide structure and reporting mechanisms to ensure inclusion and an environment free of harassment, bullying and retaliation. Our associates represent UMB, and our role with our customers and within our communities includes promoting inclusion.
We maintain a workplace culture that allows individuals to thrive and be treated with dignity. We hold ourselves to high standards, and expect our associates to care for one another, our vendors to respect fundamental human rights, and our business partners to operate within the law, free of discrimination and abuse.
Looking ahead, always striving for more
There’s no magic way to ensure an inclusive environment; it’s something we work towards, learn from and redefine every day. We have taken many steps to maintain an open dialogue about inclusion at UMB, challenging each other to truly get to know the people we work with on a deeper level. We know this work is ongoing and ever-evolving, and we’re committed to evolving with it.
To learn more about UMB and our connections to the communities we serve, visit our community involvement page and follow us on Facebook‡ and LinkedIn ‡.
