Month: September 2024

Originally published in Principal Financial Group 2023 Sustainability Report

Maintaining an ethical culture

We have built a strong reputation for being an ethical and trustworthy company. That’s why we enforce anti-bribery and anti-corruption practices and policies, and show honesty and integrity as we interact with our customers, business partners, and each other.

Our approach 

Our Ethics and Compliance Program is grounded in our core value of doing what’s right. To maintain high ethical standards, we reinforce the understanding of and adherence to our Global Code of Conduct, related policies, and legal and regulatory requirements across the organization by delivering education, training, and conducting risk assessments.

We gauge our ethical culture by conducting an annual survey among our employees. The Ethical Culture Survey, administered through a well-respected external party, identifies both positive and potentially challenging insights into our corporate culture. This enables us to benchmark our results year-over-year and to compare our results with industry peers and cross-industry participants.

Our actions and performance in 2023 

The 2023 results of the survey reflected our employees’ belief in our commitment to maintain a strong ethical culture, adhering to our Global Code of Conduct and core values, and assuring we do what’s right. The results make clear that our employees understand our policies and procedures and trust that we maintain a “safe to say” environment. When benchmarked against our peer group, Principal consistently scores at or above industry standards on many of the pillars that comprise the survey.

We regularly benchmark our Ethics and Compliance Program through our membership of the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), a group sponsored by the Ethisphere Institute, and the Department of Justice Guidance. The Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer shares assessment results with executive leadership and the Audit Committee of the Principal Board of Directors.

This marks the 13th time Principal has been recognized for its ethical leadership and business practices since the Ethisphere list launched in 2006.

Recognized as a 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies® honoree: Ethisphere (December 2023)1

Alignment with our Global Code of Conduct 

All employees must complete annual training and acknowledgment related to our Global Code of Conduct (Code). The computer-based training (CBT) course covers topics that are contained in the Code. The topics covered rotate on a three-year basis. They include anti- bribery and corruption, human rights and human trafficking, economic sanctions, insider trading, antitrust and competition laws, social media and news media, employee pressure, protecting and using company assets, conflicts of interest, intellectual property, complaint handling, gifts and entertainment, political activity, financial crimes, and whistleblowing.

Topics covered in the 2023 CBT included reporting Code violations, employee pressure, protecting and using company assets, conflicts of interest, intellectual property, and bribery and corruption. Once they complete the training, employees sign an attestation of understanding and acceptance. Every Director and employee of Principal is accountable for following the Code.

In 2023, 99.9% of active employees completed training on our Global Code of Conduct. We used quizzes to test participants’ knowledge of the material and concepts covered in the course.

99.9% of active employees completed training on our Global Code of ConductRanked as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024: Newsweek (December 2023)Included in the 2024 JUST 100 and recognized as one of 2024 America’s Most JUST Companies: JUST Capital (December 2023)

The Ethics and Compliance team, Corporate Special Investigations Unit, management, and other compliance personnel, regularly review the effectiveness of the Code by:

monitoring the Ethics Hotline and reviewing metrics for trends,releasing an Annual Report of Investigations to employees via our internal employee website,requiring annual Code training for all employees,conducting an annual ethical culture survey,tracking employee views of ethics and compliance policies on our internal employee website each quarter,completing annual risk assessments, andreporting quarterly to various compliance areas, which includes closed investigations and outcomes.

Each year we provide Ethical Culture Survey results to leaders and identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement. We also supply suggestions and resources for having regular ethics-related discussions with their teams.

Reporting unethical behavior 

If our employees, customers, or business partners need to report concerns about unethical or fraudulent activity pertaining to Principal, they can do so through the Ethics Hotline by phone (U.S. only) or submit an online reporting form (available globally). Both offer anonymous options where geographically allowed. Anonymous concerns go directly to a third party not affiliated with Principal.

Employees also have the option to report suspicious activity to the Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer in their area, the Chief Privacy Officer, the employee relations consultant or Human Resources, or a member of the Corporate Special Investigations Unit. In addition to the Code of Conduct, the methods for reporting suspicious activity are outlined in various Enterprise policies (e.g., the Whistleblower Policy, the Compliance Policy, the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy) and are available to employees.

We regularly remind employees about the Ethics Hotline to report suspected fraudulent or unethical activities. In 2023, 100% of submissions to our Ethics Hotline were fully reviewed and investigated.

Every year, representatives from each compliance area work together to produce a consolidated enterprise compliance risk assessment, which identifies key compliance risks across the organization. The 2023 results, which are currently being finalized, will help inform the compliance team’s strategic focus.

Anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and conflicts of interest 

We are committed to supporting international and local efforts to eliminate corruption and financial crimes. To ensure we stay vigilant, we conduct annual anti-bribery and corruption (AB&C) risk assessments.

The Enterprise Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer is accountable for the AB&C Policy and program, and reports bribery and corruption risks to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. In 2023, 100% of Board members and executive and senior management teams were provided with materials on AB&C, trends in the industry, and were kept informed of future priorities of our program.

No charges were filed by any regulator against Principal for corruption in 2023.

Read more:

Anti-Bribery and Corruption PolicyAnti-Money Laundering PolicyGlobal Code of Conduct (PDF)Reporting Fraud of Unethical ConductOFAC/Sanctions PolicyPolitical Activity Policy

Annual ethics and compliance related trainings

Additional training is provided to targeted employee audiences based on their roles and responsibilities on an ad hoc basis, such as financial crimes training (elder financial exploitation, anti-money laundering, and economic sanctions) as well as anti-bribery and corruption for audiences that have a higher risk of bribery in their work.

Audience/Training Content

Board of Directors: Global Code of ConductAll active employees: Global Code of ConductNew leaders: Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation (including sexual harassment)New employees: Making privacy a priorityIdentifying and preventing fraudGlobal Code of ConductConflicts of interestU.S. employees: Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation (including sexual harassment)Principal international employees: Anti-bribery and corruption

Additional training is provided to targeted employee audiences based on their roles and responsibilities on an ad hoc basis, such as financial crimes training (elder financial exploitation, anti-money laundering, and economic sanctions) as well as anti-bribery and corruption for audiences that have a higher risk of bribery in their work.

What’s next 

In 2024, we remain focused on benchmarking and ongoing evaluation of our Ethics and Compliance Program, providing employee communications and training on key risk-related topics, and maintaining a pulse on our ethical culture through our annual ethical culture survey.

12024 designation is based on results as of August 2023.

To learn more, read the Principal Financial Group 2023 Sustainability Report.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.​

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SAN FRANCISCO, September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – First responders deserve the most advanced connectivity solutions in the world, and T-Mobile is stepping up to answer the call. During T-Mobile’s (NASDAQ: TMUS) Capital Markets Day, CEO Mike Sievert unveiled T-Priority, a new solution built with first responders to deliver the unprecedented support they deserve every day and — especially — during massive emergencies. T-Priority includes:

The world’s first network slice for first responders. Built on T-Mobile’s 5G Standalone Core, the network slice ensures first responders get lower latency and faster 5G speeds more consistently and it also gives them the highest priority across every single 5G band, even in times of extreme congestion.Best-in-class partners. T-Priority comes with a complete and growing support system tailored to first responders’ critical needs, with the latest technological solutions from top industry partners like Motorola Solutions, Ericsson, and 3rd-Eye Technologies, Inc., who bring a proven heritage of supporting first responder missions.An emergency response team dedicated to first responders and public safety. T-Mobile’s emergency team is ready 24/7 to support disasters, public safety incidents, large events and more to boost capacity and restore coverage where needed, including mobilizing a fleet of emergency vehicles and rapidly deployable technologies to support first responders, communities and customers.

Because T-Priority was designed for the most scaled and challenging requirements, T-Mobile announced today that the City of New York will be the anchor customer for T-Priority. The City of New York is leveraging their partnership with T-Mobile’s leading network for their employees, as the city continues to innovate and implement cutting-edge technologies.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve nothing less than the most advanced connectivity solutions to do their critical work,” said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile. “With T-Priority, we’re more committed than ever to serving those who serve us all by delivering a dedicated 5G solution to agencies of all sizes across the country. At T-Mobile, our job is to make sure first responders can count on a consistent 5G experience that will evolve to meet the changing needs of the first responder mission, backed by a dedicated, award-winning support system, to be ready when it matters most.”

“Our north star for the City of New York is to make it safer and more affordable for all New Yorkers, including our dedicated public servants,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “Providing our agencies and all city employees with the latest technologies is crucial to achieving this mission, and with T-Priority we will continue to do so.”

Connectivity Challenges Facing First Responders 
First responders are becoming more reliant than ever on cellular communications and data-intensive tools like drones and AR/VR as they adopt new tools to serve their communities. But during emergency situations, network congestion can put these critical communications at risk. Cellular traffic can spike significantly, while data-intensive tools can demand stronger network performance — like the low latency and higher speeds of 5G.

Today’s solutions simply can’t keep pace with the evolving mission demands of the modern first responders. Here’s why: Imagine a congested network like rush hour traffic. Priority access and preemption are tools that give you a faster on-ramp, but you still have to crawl in slow traffic once you’re on the highway. A dedicated network can carve out an emergency lane, but even that can get slow when it’s crowded with first responders (especially if it’s 4G). That changes today.

T-Priority: A Solution Built for Tomorrow’s Emergencies. Ready Today. 
T-Priority is a first-of-its-kind solution to keep first responders connected in the 5G era of public safety. The world’s first network slice for first responders helps ensure best-in-class connectivity, not just day-to-day, but also in times of extreme congestion, and supports a wide range of data-intensive applications that make up an increasing share of traffic in the day-to-day lives of first responders.

Here’s how it works: think of the slice like a traffic cop. It’s always directing network traffic to ensure first responders have the best possible experience. It makes sure they get lower latency and faster 5G speeds more consistently for data-intensive communications tools by giving them up to 5 times the network resources of the average user.

The slice really shines in rare times of extreme congestion. Imagine if an emergency caused a massive spike in cellular traffic during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The network is already packed with people on Bourbon Street live streaming the parade. A surge on top of that could result in extreme congestion. As first responders stream into the area to help, the slice ensures their traffic is prioritized above everyone else. As the event escalates and more and more first responders show up, the network effectively becomes a first responder network, and the network will work to maintain a minimum service level to all of them. And, given the huge capacity of T-Mobile’s 5G network, that large group of first responders is supported.

Other day-to-day T-Priority features include:

Priority access and preemption for voice and data on the nation’s leading 5G network.2.5x faster speeds on average than other providersfor data-intensive communications.40% more 5G capacity than other providers to help more first responders stay connected.More 5G coverage than AT&T and Verizon, with T-Mobile covering 98% of Americans. And T-Mobile recently made significant investment to expand coverage in rural America to tackle coverage gaps.Enhanced security with access to a security slice from T-Mobile SASE that helps defend against cyberthreats.

Best-in-Class Support for First Responder Agencies 
T-Priority’s new first responder rate plans launch later this year and are available for state, local and federal agencies. They’re also available to businesses, like utility and transportation organizations, that provide critical support during emergencies.

With T-Priority, America’s largest, fastest and most advanced 5G network is truly dedicated to helping first responders.

T-Priority is a natural evolution of T-Mobile’s innovations with first responders. Back in 2020, T-Mobile launched Connecting Heroes, a program that supports small state and local agencies and first responder volunteer groups with free, unlimited 5G service. Connecting Heroes will continue to provide free access to the nation’s leading 5G, so agencies of all sizes serving communities across the nation, have an option that helps them serve their communities, keep them safe and meet the need of their mission every day.

For more information, visit https://t-mobile.com/business/t-priority.

# # #

T-Priority features will be available for eligible emergency response organizations on select plans. Capable device required. Performance baseline commits available network resources to help maintain threshold throughput, even in times of congestion. Coverage not available in some areas and may be impacted by emergencies; check your response area. See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com.

About T-Mobile 
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

Media Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations 
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com

Investor Relations Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. 
Investor.Relations@t-mobile.com 
https://investor.t-mobile.com

September marks a time of change. From the end of summer to back to school, there are so many things that are wrapping up or starting fresh.

The month also includes one of our favorite events for pollinators through the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, held by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) in partnership with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

During the BioBlitz, participants are encouraged to capture photographs of the plants, insects and animals present in parks and submit them using the iNaturalist platform, an app which identifies and records the observations. This helps park agencies better understand, manage and plan for the multitude of different species and habitats in their local parks.

Earlier this summer, ScottsMiracle-Gro reinforced its commitment to pollinators by opening an apiary on its Marysville campus, which complements our commitment to the sixth edition of the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz. 

“We encourage community members and park goers throughout the country to participate in the annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz to collectively impact pollinators in a positive way,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. 

As we embrace the season change throughout September, learn more about Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz and ways you can help.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com. 

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By | Nataliia Nahach | High Touch Operations Analyst | U.K.

With Helen Gall and Thais Bueno Rocha

I grew up in a small town near Kyiv, Ukraine, in a house opposite the airport. As a little girl, I was inspired by aviation. Seeing the airplanes flying above my head every day made me believe the sky is the limit. This belief helped me to always think out of the box and look at things from a new perspective to expand my horizons.

I had a love for study and an innate desire to be useful to my country. I pursued higher education in antitrust policy and dedicated eight years to civil service and project management positions.

Life took an unexpected turn when the war in Ukraine started.

I fled my home and found myself in a new country seeking a fresh start. That’s when I discovered The Opportunity Platform (TOP) program at Cisco – a program designed to offer displaced individuals like me a chance for a better future.

The TOP program provides a unique opportunity to re-skill, see how one of the biggest IT companies in the world works, and to be part of different units and projects. The two-year apprenticeship program offers education, industry certification, and training courses tailored to Cisco employees’ needs.

My journey with Cisco began with a simple click on a Facebook post.

The post had a link to the TOP program application form and said, “Here is your chance to work with the best employer in the world.” That phrase caught my attention, and I decided to apply.

Despite my initial fears about lacking a technical background, the HR Emerging Talent and Recruitment person was kind and supportive. They even offered suggestions to improve my CV.

To my surprise, I advanced to the final round of the selection process, including a mock interview and two main interviews. The support and encouragement I received from Cisco were overwhelming.

When I found out I was one of 10 selected, I was shocked. Cisco, a global IT company, seemed like a distant planet — something you know about but never think you’ll reach.

From the first month, I fell in love with Cisco. The way our managers treated and took care of us was something I had never experienced. All 10 of us had fled our country because of the war. Some of us, including me, didn’t even have an office table to work from home.

The Customer Experience EMEA team at Cisco ensured we had everything we needed to start our journey. This was heartwarming. It made me feel that I mattered to the company, even as a newcomer.

The past year has been a whirlwind. The war changed my life in the blink of an eye, and I had to start from scratch.

There were days when I felt completely overwhelmed and lost. Being alone in a new country, at a new company, in a field I didn’t know was challenging. My Ukrainian teammates and my manager, Thais, helped me a lot.

The onboarding program was designed to keep us busy learning and preparing for industry certifications, understanding how Cisco works, and getting to know its products and services. This focus on work helped me maintain my sanity.

Apprentices also participate in job rotations to better understand different parts of the business and work towards securing a permanent job. Starting my first rotation was a lifechanging moment.

The team I worked with was the greatest I had ever encountered. Despite being an apprentice, everyone treated me as a colleague. This environment encouraged me to voice my thoughts and ideas.

In my first rotation, I was part of a team working on a development program called Leading into the Future, which showed me how much Cisco cares about its employees. The team spent significant time and effort creating workshops to develop employees’ potential, even involving top management.

Apprentices were encouraged to apply to full-time Cisco roles when ready, so I applied for a few. While I was rejected for one, I successfully passed the interview for the role of High Touch Operations Analyst, which I now consider the most interesting job in the world.

To further support our TOP team efforts, we joined Tent, a global coalition of leading businesses committed to helping refugees enter the labor market and restart their lives in new communities.

Life has proven to be fast-changing, and everything can change in a second.

Joining Cisco marked a new start in my life, helping me adapt to a new country, role, and company. Cisco is a company where you can learn about different jobs and careers, and the support from my teammates, my peers in the TOP team, and the EMEA Customer Experience leadership has made everything possible.

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