Dominion Energy Utah provides reliable, safe, and affordable natural gas service to almost 1.2 million customers in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming that energize homes, businesses, and the lives of Utahns. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, Dominion Energy is a leader in the clean energy transition with a clear strategy to achieve net-zero carbon and methane emissions, investing in community partners and programs that protect and preserve our natural resources.
In addition to focusing on these core values, the company believes that actions speak louder than words. It focuses on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities they serve. Through countless programs such as employee resource groups, mentoring, flexible schedules, parental leave, and childcare assistance, Dominion Energy has become a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially for women in the industry.
“In the past, this industry has traditionally been male-dominated,” said Jorgan Hofeling, strategic communications advisor with Dominion Energy Utah. “I love working for Dominion Energy. The company provides the flexibility, programs, and training that champion women, helping us break into the industry and thrive in it.”
In the recently released 2021 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion report, the company announced female hires increased from 30.5% in 2020 to 34.0% in 2021.
We3 Employee Resource Group
One important way Dominion Energy has evolved is the inclusion of women in the company through the We3 women’s employee resource group. “Our women’s resource group, We3, is a program open to all employees and focuses on representing and serving women in the workforce and our communities,” said Nancy Philipp, human resources manager.
We3 first organized its local Utah chapter in 2015 and has become a staple in various community and company events. The goal for We3 is to build an inclusive community creating honest conversations and building awareness around issues women face in the workplace. Allyship is an integral part of We3 providing tools and resources for colleagues who work with women and become equipped to support them.
The program provides events, activities, and other professional and personal development opportunities. At a recent We3 event, employees partnered with the supply chain department to increase branded clothing, uniforms, and individual protective equipment options for women. We3 routinely partners with organizations in the community that provide support and resources for women and girls, such as the Girl Scouts Utah and YWCA. It also encourages STEM careers and includes awareness of the energy industry through career fairs and engagement with local high school and college students.
We3 Mentorship Program
A new and exciting expansion to the We3 ERG is a mentoring program. “We have now included our WE3 mentoring program, which offers employees the opportunity to become mentors and mentees and learn vital concepts for career and personal growth,” said Philipp. The We3 mentoring program enables employees to cultivate and foster an environment for career success, develop support systems, and drive connections among employees. This 6-month program builds mutually beneficial relationships with the mentor and mentee. It includes enhanced communications, technical and influence skills, professional growth, improved problem-solving around work-related issues, and new professional contacts and friendships throughout the company.
Work Flexibility Programs
In addition to the support the employee resource group provides, Dominion Energy also offers solutions to remove barriers many women face in the workforce. “Flexibility matters greatly to me as a professional woman and a mother,” said Hofeling. “Dominion Energy provides an environment that doesn’t force me to choose between my kids, family, and career.” To provide a better work-life balance, the company offers employees, in conjunction with their supervisors, the chance to create their work schedules. To offset the traditional 9 to 5 40-hour work week, Dominion Energy works with its employees to offer various schedule options. Offering both full-time and part-time work, they also provide compressed work schedules with options such as a four/10-hour work week, or a nine/ nine/nine-hour work week with every other Friday off. Additionally, they have started to offer alternative work locations, including working at a location closer to home and a hybrid work environment for three days in the office and two days at home.
Paid Family Leave and Other Support
Dominion Energy prides itself on taking care of its employees during life-changing events, like welcoming a new child to the family. All eligible full-time employees receive up to 120 hours of paid parental leave at 100% of their base salary to bond with their newborn or a newly adopted or fostered child. All eligible part-time employees will receive up to 60 hours of paid parental leave.
The company offers parental/dependent care resources, such as the Employee Assistance Program, a Dependent Care Flexible spending account, discounts on child and adult care facilities, and nursing mothers’ rooms. Additional resources for new and expecting parents include unique gift boxes through Bump Box and convenient and safe shipment of milk through LifeCare’s Milkship program.
These programs are just a few examples of why Dominion Energy is a great place to work, especially as a woman. “It is so refreshing to work for an employer that cares about you and empowers you,” Hofeling said. “I am extremely grateful for my career and experience with Dominion Energy.”