March 12, 2024 is Equal Pay Dayan annual holiday that symbolizes how far women must work in the new year to win what their male counterparts earned at the end of last year. This is based on The gender pay gap which, according to National Women's Justice Centerstates that, “Women in the United States who work full-time, year-round, are typically paid just 84 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts.”
Equal Pay Day serves as a platform for advocacy fair compensation practices, challenging discrimination and promoting gender equality in the workplace. It underlines the importance of closing the justice pay gap, economic growth and women's empowerment.
Many franchises are committed to ensuring equal pay for their employees, promoting fairness and inclusiveness. These commitments emphasize the importance of rewarding talent and commitment, regardless of gender, and contribute to the advancement of gender equality in the business world. There are many ways in which a company or franchise can pledge equal pay practices, either through a state or federal commitment or a company-wide public announcement. Here are five who are committed to equal pay and ending it The gender pay gap.
Wendy's
In 1969, Dave Thomas opened the original Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, the establishment that marked the beginning of the company. Today, Wendy's operates more than 7,000 units. The company is not only a well-known brand with worldwide recognition, but also strives to create gender equality in the workplace. Two out of seven employee resource groups on Wendy's focus on female and LGBTQ+ equality and empowerment, leading Wendy's leadership. According to Wendy's websiteWendy's works actively and transparently to improve gender equality through increased representation in leadership, their exclusive population and even their board of directors.
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McDonald's
McDonald's had humble beginnings when Dick and Mac McDonald opened a drive-thru burger joint in San Bernardino, California, in the 1940s. Their simplicity in operations and menu, with burgers, fries and shakes, set the foundation for their success. When they met Ray Kroc, a salesman they hired as a franchise agent, in the 1950s, the group took McDonald's to the global icon we know today.
In 2021, McDonald's set an equal pay goal to promote transparency, inclusion and change in franchise practices: equal pay for equal work. McDonald's regularly shares and analyzes gaps every year equal pay analysisworking to become a leader in reducing the gender pay gap.
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Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hospitality companies worldwide. In 2016, Hilton partnered with White House on “Pledge for equal payment”. Signing the pledge is a public pledge to promote and work towards eliminating the gender pay gap – and as more companies like Hilton sign on, the hope is to eliminate the pay gap entirely.
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InterContinental Hotel & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is a well-known global hotel brand belonging to InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which also oversees Kimpton and the Holiday Inn family. In 2016, IHG also signed The White House pledge for equal payand combined with theirs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion resources, they are committed to being the number one destination for guests, owners and colleagues.
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Dunkin'
Dunkin's The parent company was one of the White House Equal Pay Original signatories to the pledge. Dunkin' regularly reviews their pay practices because it emphasizes a company culture of equal pay, value and equal work opportunity. Dunkin' uses it too Champions of women leaders resource group to provide women franchisees and employees with what they need to lean on.
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A fairer future
While we recognize the importance of Equal Pay Day and the critical conversations it sparks about the gender pay gap, it is essential to remember the role each organization plays in sculpting a more equal future. The franchises mentioned are not just businesses, they are setting standards for what it means to uphold equal pay and gender equality within the corporate sphere.
Their commitment to ensure that every employee is are fairly compensatedregardless of gender, it's a powerful reminder of the steps brands can take when they commit to equality and fairness.