Case Studies

The Road to a Meritocracy: The Learning Journey at Carlson Company: Carlson

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Global Impact

Carlson's efforts to create flexible work policies and promote and retain female employees have paid off. Today the share of women in management is an impressive 49%, though the figure has proved harder to attain in the company's non-American subsidiaries, and the success rates differ across countries and markets.

Benefiting from Carlson’s Mentoring and Training Diana Roney started her Minneapolis-based Classy Baskets ten years ago. Her company designs baskets, floral arrangements and bouquets for various occasions, targeting both corporations and individuals. Early on in her career, Diana joined the Midwest Minority Supplier Diversity Council, and it is through this association that she was contacted by Carlson's supplier diversity team five years ago. Carlson periodically ordered corporate gifts from Classy Baskets. But for Diana, the education and mentoring she received was just as valuable. "[Carlson] provided mentoring, teaching me how to get in with different corporations and helping me with skills on how to be competitive. It helped give me an edge," Diana says. Carlson also sponsored Diana's attendance at national events, and her executive education through the Carlson School of Management. "The program gave me more education on how to work with different corporations going forward. I do look back on the materials that I received [in the course], which is priceless."

A large percentage of Carlson's employees informally flex their schedules, and a smaller group of leisure-travel staffers works entirely from home. The company also ensures equal pay for equal work, which is mandated by U.S. legislation, even though women across the country still make only about 80 cents for every dollar men make. "We do pay equally. We wouldn't pay a woman manager differently than a male. We have a professional job evaluation system. This is important because women are often not as good at negotiating salaries," says Susan MacHolda, a senior director in human resources at Carlson.

Carlson's new CEO, French-native Hubert Joly, and his leadership team have continued to support gender issues. Carlson has gained a reputation as a leader in promoting flexible work policies and in creating an environment where women can thrive. It is ranked as one of the best companies to work for in the U.S. by Working Mother magazine, The Business Journal, and Fortune magazine, among others. Forbes magazine has also named Marilyn as one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women."

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