Asia Society Corporate Survey Assesses Effects of COVID-19 and Anti-Asian Sentiment on Asian Pacific Americans in the Workplace

Global Talent, Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Symposium

—Chevron and Medtronic are overall best employers for Asian Americans, according to survey—

NEW YORK, NY; May 13, 2021—In an environment marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in anti-Asian sentiment in the United States, Asia Society’s newly released Asian Corporate Survey assesses the challenges and opportunities currently facing the Asian Pacific American (APA) community in the workplace. While the survey highlights successful efforts by companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion, it also indicates that a significant number of survey respondents expect that heightened conversations on equity will be fleeting.

“The Asian Corporate Survey is especially timely and important in light of the recent wave of anti-Asian racism in the United States,” said Asia Society Executive Vice President Tom Nagorski. “The survey and our annual symposium include an examination of companies’ responses to COVID-19, and to racial equity and social justice issues that are critical to translating commitment into action.”

Now in its 12th year, the Asian Corporate Survey is a national benchmarking study assessing the growth, development, and advancement of Asian Pacific American (APA) employees at a range of Fortune 500 companies nationally.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate participating organizations and winners,” said Umran Beba, Chair of Asia Society’s Global Talent and Diversity Council and Partner, August Leadership. “I want to thank Asia Society for keeping diversity, equity and inclusion top of mind and also for giving organizations a chance to show case their best practices especially in these times of social injustice and an increase of anti-Asian sentiment. We are stronger when we share, celebrate and discuss courageously the topics that matter.”

The Asian Corporate Survey showcases the transformational work of companies which are successfully changing workplace culture, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion and opportunity for Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander talent. Examples of how to enhance critical conversations related to racial equity, subtle and overt bias, and racism are presented by award-winning companies.

At the same time, the Asian Corporate Survey underscores the need for targeted professional growth opportunities for APA employees, as well as a need for more action to address racial equity in the workplace.

A significant number of survey respondents indicated they expect that heightened conversations on equity will be fleeting, and that they were pessimistic about the prospects for meaningful action that will lead to real change. Almost 30 percent believe that their companies have not adequately engaged APA employees in larger conversations about racial equity.

The survey also assessed ways in which companies are supporting skills development among younger APA employees, a growing segment of the workforce. Read the executive summary here.

Survey findings and recommendations were discussed at the Asia Society Global Talent, Diversity, and Inclusion virtual symposium, In Solidarity, We Rise. Based on employee responses in the survey, Asia Society presented awards recognizing the best companies for Asian Pacific Americans as follows.

2020 Best Companies for Asian Pacific Americans Award Winners

Overall Best Employer for Asian Pacific Americans
Winner
Chevron

Runner-Up
Medtronic

Most Innovative Employer
Winner
Medtronic

Runner-Up
Chevron

Outreach and Inclusion to APA Employees during the COVID-19 Crisis
Winner
Medtronic

Runner-Up
Goldman Sachs

Outreach and Inclusion to APA Employees related to Racial Equity and Social Justice
Winner
Medtronic

Runner-Up
Chevron

Supporting the Development of Workforce Skills of APA Employees Under 40
Winner
Medtronic

Runner-Up
Chevron

Honorable Mentions
Recruitment & Selection
Medtronic

Retention
Medtronic

Employee Growth & Advancement
Chevron

APA Employee Resource Groups
Chevron

Marketing to APA Consumers & Investors
PG&E

Supporting APA Women, LGBTQ+ APA Employees
Marriott International
AIG