Southern Company recognized as a top company for diversity and inclusion by DiversityInc for the fourth consecutive year

ATLANTA, May 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth consecutive year, Southern Company has been named among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc. The company also ranked ninth on the list for Top Companies for Veterans. Both recognitions were announced at DiversityInc's annual diversity and inclusion awards event held at Cipriani Wall Street on Tuesday, May 7.

"Southern Company is committed to creating a workplace environment where employees from different backgrounds and perspectives can realize their full potential," said Tom Fanning, president, chairman and CEO of Southern Company. "Our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion is embedded in our culture, and allows us to better anticipate change, see around corners and achieve success as we build the future of energy."

The DiversityInc Top 50 list, which ranked Southern Company No. 33, recognizes the nation's top companies for diversity and inclusion management. These companies excel in such areas as hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ and veterans.

"DiversityInc Top 50 Companies have a decisive advantage because they treat people more fairly than other companies," notes Luke Visconti, founder and CEO of DiversityInc. "Everybody, including white men, are far better off working for them because there is more opportunity at better run companies. Top 50 companies also deliver a greater-than-average return for shareholders."

DiversityInc's annual survey yields an empirically-driven ranking based on talent results in the workforce and management, senior leadership accountability, talent programs, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity.

"At Southern Company, our values drive our culture, guide our decisions and are key to our sustained success," said Sloane Drake, senior vice president of human resources at Southern Company. "We believe how we do our work is just as important as what we do. For us, that means having a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong."

This recognition of Southern Company's corporate culture and hiring practices joins national acknowledgements by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award.

Visit Southern Company Careers to learn more about how to join the Southern Company team.

About Southern Company:

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About DiversityInc: The mission of DiversityInc is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list began in 2001, when many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity-management initiatives. The 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity results will be featured on ?DiversityInc.com. DiversityInc is a VA certified veteran-owned business and a USBLN certified business owned by a person with a disability. For more information, visit www.diversityinc.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @DiversityInc.

SOURCE Southern Company