March 12, 2024 is Equal Pay Day, an annual celebration that symbolizes how long into the new year women must work to earn what their male colleagues earned by the end of the previous year. This is based on the Gender Wage Gap which, according to the National Women’s Law Center, states 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 colleagues .”
Equal Pay Day serves as a platform to support fair pay practices, counter discrimination and promote gender equality in the workplace. It highlights the importance of closing the pay gap for justice, economic growth and women’s empowerment.
Many franchises have committed to ensuring equal pay for their employees, promoting fairness and inclusiveness. These commitments highlight the importance of rewarding talent and dedication, regardless of gender, and help promote gender equality in business. There are many ways a company or franchise can commit to equal pay practices, whether through a state or federal commitment or a company-wide public announcement. These are the five countries that have committed to equal pay and ending the gender pay gap.
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Wendy
In 1969, Dave Thomas opened the original Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, the same establishment that marked the beginning of the company. Today, Wendy’s operates more than 7,000 units. The company is not only an established brand recognized around the world, but is also committed to creating gender equality in the workplace. Two of Wendy’s seven employee resource groups focus on women’s and LGBTQ+ equality and empowerment, guiding Wendy’s leadership. According to the Wendy’s website, Wendy’s actively and transparently works to improve gender equality through greater representation in leadership, franchisee population and even the board of directors.
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McDonald’s
McDonald’s had humble beginnings when Dick and Mac McDonald opened a hamburger drive-in in San Bernardino, California in the 1940s. The simplicity of their operations and menu, including burgers, fries and shakes, laid the foundation for their success. When they met Ray Kroc, a salesman hired as a franchising agent, in the 1950s, the group transformed McDonald’s into the global icon we know today.
In 2021, McDonald’s set an equal pay goal to drive transparency, inclusion and change in franchising practices: equal pay for equal work. McDonald’s regularly shares and analyzes gaps in its annual Equal Pay Review, working to become a leader in closing the gender pay gap.
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Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. In 2016, Hilton partnered with the White House on the “Equal Pay Pledge.” Signing the pledge is a public oath to promote and work towards eliminating the gender pay gap, and as more companies like Hilton sign up, the hope is to eliminate the pay gap entirely.
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InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is a well-known global hotel brand belonging to the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which also oversees Kimpton and the Holiday Inn family. In 2016, IHG also signed the White House Equal Pay Pledge and, combined with its diversity, equity and inclusion resources, is committed to becoming the number one destination for guests, owners and colleagues.
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Getting soaked
Dunkin’ parent company was one of the original signatories of the White House’s Equal Pay Pledge. Dunkin’ regularly reviews their compensation practices because it emphasizes a company culture of equal pay, value, and opportunity for equal work. Dunkin’ also leverages its Champions of Women Leaders resource group to provide women franchisees and employees with what they need to be supported.
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A fairer future
Recognizing the importance of Equal Pay Day and the critical debate it sparks on the gender pay gap, it is essential to remember the role every organization plays in creating a more equal future. The franchises mentioned are not just businesses, but they set benchmarks for what it means to support equal pay and gender equality within the corporate setting.
Their commitment to ensuring that every employee is paid fairly, regardless of gender, is a powerful reminder of the strides brands can make when they are committed to equity and justice.