Village of Wellington: Best EDI Workplace Award

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

The Village of Wellington, located in south Florida and western Palm Beach county, is committed to supporting, engaging in, and expanding equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in everything it does. Through thoughtful community planning efforts, and supported by innovative programming, outreach activities, and employee training, Wellington’s culture of engagement and belonging is far-reaching. Wellington’s progressive approach provides a safe space for all who live, play, and work in our community.

From our application, you will see the many ways the Village of Wellington is a best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workplace. You will see a well-rounded approach to inclusivity and belonging that addresses both employees, as well as residents.

Diversity of Management

Wellington’s population of nearly 62,000 residents is served by a diverse staff of approximately 385 employees (depending on the time of year), including 68 members of the management team (from supervisor to Village Manager). Over the last seven years, Wellington’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have resulted in a number of positive outcomes including: more females holding the highest level positions, the percentage of non-Caucasian employees (versus the number of Caucasian employees) outpacing the percentage of non-Caucasian residents (versus the number of Caucasian residents), and the median age of Wellington employees surpassing the median age of Wellington residents.

Employee Benefits, Policies, and Training

The Village of Wellington is committed to the principles of equal employment in regards to all aspects of employment, and strives to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on a variety of factors that stretch beyond those protected by federal, state, or local laws. In order to support values centered around inclusivity and belonging, training is focused on multiple aspects of inclusion, including LGBTQ and ally-inclusive diversity training, “Differences Matter” training, and training on topics such as neuro-diversity and mental health.

Policies supporting Wellington’s diverse employee population include policies for anti-bullying, extended medical leave, domestic partnerships, paid parental leave, and standard medical coverage for treatments and procedures for the gender diverse community, such as medically necessary gender-reassignment surgeries and treatments, as well as gender re-assignment.

Ordinances, Proclamations, and Budgeted Services to Under-Resourced Communities and Associations

The Village of Wellington supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts in everything it does. The Village prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation not only in employment, but also in housing and public accommodations as outlined in Chapter 1 – Section 1-13 of its Code of Ordinances which adopts the Village of Wellington Civil Rights Act.

Wellington has also adopted numerous proclamations in support of diversity and inclusion such as Transgender Day of Visibility, Transgender Day of Remembrance, National Down Syndrome Month, Juneteenth, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and many others.

Each year, Wellington’s budget addresses gaps in education funding (through the Keely Spinelli Education Grant), as well as disparities in underserved/under-resourced communities through a variety of grants and other monies set aside for programming and special projects.

Community Partnerships

Wellington’s relationship with its community is widespread and evident in the support and participation shown by its residents, businesses, non-profit agencies, and faith-based organizations. It truly “takes a village” to address the needs and wants of all factions of the community, and Wellington’s hometown approach allows everyone to feel a sense of belonging.

Wellington’s “Great Hometown” atmosphere combined with its inclusive practices for both the community it serves and the employees who work here, make it a “Best Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workplace.” From its resolutions, proclamations, and policies, to its programming and community events, the Village of Wellington sets the bar in public service for diversity in leadership.