2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report

Visual Progress

Our goal is to move the visual needle and show measured evidence of our DEI commitment. Two specific areas of focus are increasing the representation of women and people of color in leadership roles.

For the sixth year in a row, we improved representation in both categories.   

 

Talent Progress

To create a workplace that is more accessible and equitable, we start with our talent. DEI plays a role in conversations that range from the substance and execution of our work to hiring practices and the creation of advancement opportunities. 

Here are key steps we’re taking to build a more robust and diverse pipeline:

Accelerated Banker and Internship Programs

• In 2021, our entry-level Accelerated Banker class was 30% people of color and 60% women. Our internship class was 43% people of color and 35% women. While we continue to increase the representation of women and people of color in these programs, we’re acutely aware that we must remain focused on ensuring the program has increased levels of diversity. To ensure a diverse talent pool, we’ve continued deepening our relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), incorporating aggressive hiring targets, and leveraging cross-functional leadership panels in our interview process.

Campus and HBCU Recruiting

• In 2021, we hosted our first Diversity Symposium to provide students access to company executives, career professionals, and community resources.

• We continued to strengthen relationships with HBCUs, specifically Alabama A&M University, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Morehouse, Spelman College, and South Carolina State.

Military Recruitment

• Synovus continued partnering with Fort Moore, Georgia, to hire former service members and their spouses through the Army Community Service department.

• We also continued to partner with Fort Moore, Georgia, through the Soldier for Life program, a transition assistance program, which focuses on hiring service members transitioning from the military.

Latin American Association

• Synovus continued its partnership with the Latin American Association (LAA). The LAA provides an opportunity to focus on community, business development, and talent acquisition within the Latino community.

• We also participate in the LAA’s Unidos in Finance program. The program includes 12 weeks of rigorous training to prepare selected individuals for careers in banking.

Foundational Progress

Influencing our culture takes time but will prove to be the most valuable aspect of our DEI initiatives. By continuing to lay a strong foundation and building on our values, we’re creating a learning environment where DEI is embedded in our culture.

Our foundational initiatives to ensure DEI is embedded in our culture include:

Employee Resource Groups

• The groups are assisting with talent acquisition efforts, community outreach, team member development, and the establishment of both mentor and sponsorship opportunities, among other initiatives.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber Racial Equity Initiative

• In February 2021, Synovus joined the Metro Atlanta Chamber Racial Equity initiative focused on measurable actions across corporate policies, inclusive economic development, education, and workforce development.

2021 Team Member Engagement Survey

• In June 2021, we launched our 2021 Team Member Engagement Survey to collect insights on what team members value about Synovus and where we can improve. Key takeaways from the survey showed our engagement scores remain high, we’re in a healthy range regarding perceptions across all survey categories, and we’ve increased feelings of workplace inclusivity. Our overall survey scores were also well above benchmarks for the financial services industry.

Leadership Development Programs

• These programs, Ignite for front line leaders and Catalyst for senior leaders, include unconscious bias training, which helps our leaders continue to build more inclusive teams and environments.

Awards and Progress

• In 2021, Synovus was named a Great Place to Work-Certified Company and recognized as one of AJC’s “Top Workplaces in Atlanta.”

• Synovus continues to maintain a diverse board of directors and executive leadership team (ELT). 38% of our board is comprised of women and people of color. People of color comprise 12% of ELT, and 41% of ELT are women.

As we continue our DEI journey, we are committed to creating an environment that appreciates the individuality of all our team members and know that leveraging these differences is essential to our long-term success.