Jersey Mike's And DEI: A Deep Dive Into Their Commitment To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
In today's conscious consumer landscape, a company's values are just as important as the quality of its products. Customers are increasingly looking beyond the menu to understand how businesses impact the world around them. When it comes to popular fast-casual chains, Jersey Mike's Subs often comes to mind for its fresh-sliced meats and cheeses, but what about its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? DEI isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental approach to business that fosters fairness, respect, and opportunity for everyone, both within the company and in the communities it serves. This article will explore Jersey Mike's multifaceted approach to DEI, examining their significant philanthropic efforts, internal workplace dynamics, and broader community engagement.
Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Before diving into Jersey Mike's specific actions, let's briefly define DEI:
- Diversity: Refers to the presence of differences within a given setting. These differences can include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.
- Equity: Focuses on fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. It's about meeting people where they are and providing what they need to succeed.
- Inclusion: Is about creating an environment where all individuals feel welcome, respected, supported, and valued. It's about ensuring that diverse voices are heard and that everyone has a sense of belonging.
For a company like Jersey Mike's, DEI extends beyond internal hiring practices to encompass how they interact with their customers, partners, and the broader society. It's about building a business that genuinely contributes to a more just and equitable world.
Jersey Mike's Community Impact: Philanthropy as a Cornerstone of DEI
One of the most visible and impactful ways Jersey Mike's demonstrates its commitment to DEI is through its extensive philanthropic endeavors. Their "Day of Giving" is a prime example of a corporate initiative that directly benefits local communities, embodying the spirit of social responsibility and equity by channeling resources where they are most needed.
The Annual "Day of Giving" and Local Charity Support
Each year, Jersey Mike's holds its highly anticipated "Day of Giving," an event where 100% of sales are donated to local charities. This incredible initiative not only creates a positive buzz but also provides substantial financial support to organizations working on the ground in various communities. This commitment to local impact is not a one-off; Jersey Mike's has a remarkable track record of giving back. Since 2010, the company, with its more than 4,000 locations open or in development, has raised over $175 million for local charities. This consistent and significant contribution underscores a deep-seated belief in supporting the communities that host their restaurants.
Partnering for Widespread Impact: Feeding America and Best Buddies
Beyond their annual signature event, Jersey Mike's actively partners with national organizations to address critical social needs:
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- Feeding America: In the past two years alone, Jersey Mike’s has donated more than $11 million to Feeding America. This substantial contribution has helped provide over 110 million meals through the organization’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks. This partnership directly addresses food insecurity, a significant barrier to equity and well-being for millions of Americans.
- Best Buddies International: Jersey Mike's Subs has a strong, ongoing partnership with Best Buddies International. This non-profit organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jersey Mike's supports Best Buddies through various fundraising efforts, including:
- Donating 20 percent of sales at nearly 3,000 locations nationwide on specific fundraising weekends (e.g., Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10).
- Allowing customers to support Best Buddies and individuals with IDD directly through the Jersey Mike’s app during promotional periods (e.g., October 16 - 31).
These partnerships highlight Jersey Mike's commitment to fostering inclusion and providing equitable opportunities for often marginalized groups, aligning perfectly with the core tenets of DEI.
Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace: Employee Ratings and Initiatives
While external philanthropy is crucial, a true commitment to DEI must also be reflected internally, within the company's own workforce. How does Jersey Mike's fare in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for its employees?
Employee Perspectives on DEI
According to anonymous employee ratings, Jersey Mike's has a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 1,603 anonymous employee ratings. This rating is notably equal to the average for DEI ratings within the broader Restaurants & industry. While another smaller sample of 19 anonymous employee ratings showed a 4.4 out of 5 stars, with a note that the average decreased over time, the larger sample size provides a more comprehensive picture. An average rating suggests that while there's always room for growth, Jersey Mike's is generally performing on par with its industry peers in terms of employee perceptions of DEI.
Questions like "Does Jersey Mike's Subs invest in programs to fight racial injustice and to promote greater inclusion and diversity?" and "What is Jersey Mike's doing to build a diverse workforce?" are crucial for assessing internal DEI efforts. While specific program details aren't always public, the employee ratings suggest that initiatives are in place to foster a sense of inclusion and diversity within the workforce. A positive rating indicates that employees generally feel that the company is making efforts in these areas.
Prioritizing Employee Welfare and Safety
Employee welfare is an integral part of an equitable workplace. While not directly a DEI program, incidents like the one in Navarre, Florida, where a Jersey Mike's employee discovered a note in the bathroom asking for help, highlight the importance of an aware and responsive workplace environment. The fact that this situation led to law enforcement intervention and assistance for someone in need, originating from an employee's vigilance, speaks to a culture where employees feel empowered to act and where safety is taken seriously. Basic workplace standards, such as those outlined in employee handbooks regarding personal hygiene and uniform cleanliness, also contribute to a fair and professional environment for all staff.
Beyond the Sub: Local Support Through Franchising
Jersey Mike's operational model also subtly contributes to its DEI footprint. While they source their meat from nationally recognized brands like Thumann’s and Dietz & Watson, their extensive franchise system inherently supports local communities. Franchising empowers local entrepreneurs, often from diverse backgrounds, to own and operate businesses, thereby creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. This decentralized approach allows for a more direct impact on the economic well-being of countless neighborhoods across the country.
Conclusion
Jersey Mike's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is evident through a multi-pronged approach that extends far beyond the sandwiches they serve. From their remarkable philanthropic efforts, which have channeled millions of dollars and countless meals to those in need and supported individuals with disabilities, to their internal efforts to cultivate an inclusive workplace as reflected in employee ratings, Jersey Mike's demonstrates a genuine dedication to social responsibility. Their operational model, which empowers local franchisees, further amplifies their positive impact on communities nationwide. While the journey towards perfect DEI is ongoing for any large organization, Jersey Mike's consistent and significant contributions showcase a company striving to make a tangible difference, not just for its customers and employees, but for the broader society.
Final Summary: Jersey Mike's demonstrates a robust commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through significant philanthropic initiatives like the "Day of Giving" and partnerships with Feeding America and Best Buddies, contributing over $175 million to charities and millions of meals. Internally, the company maintains a competitive DEI rating among employees, indicating efforts to foster an inclusive workplace. Furthermore, its franchise model supports local economic development, collectively illustrating Jersey Mike's dedication to positive societal impact.
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