Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace Praises Recognition for Tyson Foods

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Tyson Foods tied for second on an index that measures Fortune 100 companies' commitment to religious inclusion in the workplace.

The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas was pleased, but not surprised, by recent news that Tyson Foods Inc. ranked second on the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation's Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Index.

Tyson Foods was tied for second with Intel on the REDI Index, which measures Fortune 100 companies' commitment to religious inclusion in the workplace.

"What makes Tyson Foods so remarkable is their sustained commitment not only to their own faith-friendly culture, but to helping those outside their organization understand how to integrate respectful religious expression in the workplace," said Denise Breaux Soignet, director of the Tyson Center.

Tyson Foods' commitment to religious inclusion forms the basis of what it calls its "faith-friendly" workplace culture. This commitment spurred the creation of the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace in 2009. Established in the Walton College by a grant from Tyson Foods and the Tyson Family Foundation, the center's mission is:

To make the workplace of tomorrow more faith-friendly by providing current and future business leaders with relevant learning experiences, knowledge, and opportunities for leadership and connection.

The Tyson Center provides opportunities for students across the University of Arkansas campus to engage with faith diversity and learn about the ways modern organizations build religious inclusion into their cultures. One way that Tyson Foods accomplishes this is through its corporate chaplaincy program, which gives any Tyson team member the chance to meet with one of its 98 chaplains — representing a broad range of religious backgrounds — at any time.

"We're honored to be recognized for our efforts in creating a faith-friendly company that includes religion as an integral part of diversity," said Karen Diefendorf, director of Chaplain Services Tyson Foods. "Because of John Tyson's vision 20 years ago to establish our chaplaincy program, our team members have benefitted from the compassionate pastoral care provided by our team of chaplains. We strive to treat all faiths with dignity and respect, while also supporting those who may not have any religious affiliation."

"Since their generous gift over 10 years ago, Tyson Foods has continued to actively support the center's mission and engage with our programs," Breaux Soignet said, "and this support has allowed the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace to emerge as a leader in this important space."