This case study was published in the 2023 REIT Industry ESG Report, which details the REIT and publicly traded real estate industry's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and features 20 case studies showcasing REIT leadership and ESG innovation from a variety of sectors. The report serves as a practical tool for shareholders and stakeholders to assess the scale and impact of the REIT industry's ESG commitments and initiatives. Applicable footnotes and/or citations for this case study are available in the full report.
Trust is at the core of Brixmor Property Group Inc.’s approach to creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment. Brixmor’s first cultural tenant states that “Great Real Estate Matters, But Great People Matter Even More.” This statement is upheld by the company’s approach to DEI, which is guided by a conviction to empower everyone to bring their authentic selves to work and that the organization improves through employee dialogue and engagement.
Established in 2020, Brixmor’s DEI Leadership Council has been integral in shaping the trajectory of the REIT’s inclusive culture. Comprised of employees from various backgrounds, the Council’s guiding purpose is to build upon Brixmor’s culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity in all forms, fosters an environment of trust wherein multiple viewpoints are freely expressed, and drives outstanding outcomes of team growth and success. In 2021, the Council created the company’s Employee Resource Group (ERG).
While there are many models of what an ERG can be, Brixmor’s DEI Leadership Council chose a unique one – establishing one ERG for all employees.
The DEI Leadership Council uses the ERG as a venue for educating employees on topics such as Pride, women in the workplace, and Black history, and invites employees to discuss personal experiences and perspectives. Meetings begin with ground rules of trust and grace, with reminders to all participants that the goal of the ERG is to hear and learn from one another in order to connect and grow. By dedicating one ERG to the variety of dimensions of diversity and opening admission to all employees, the experiences, histories, and perspectives of some are amplified for the benefit of many.
Brixmor has seen engagement and connection grow because of the ERG. Participation in ERG meetings has steadily increased since the first meeting held in 2021. Brixmor’s most recent meeting attracted 300 attendees—about 60% of the entire company. According to results from the 2022 All-Employee Survey, 98% of employees feel a sense of belonging at Brixmor, up from 97% in the 2020 survey.
Brixmor knows that creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is a journey, and there is always room for improvement. Brixmor is continuously aiming to build trust among employees by making meaningful progress towards its DEI goals and engaging employees from all backgrounds. Through the ERG, many employees have shared personal stories which have not only helped to educate their colleagues, but also increased a sense of empathy and trust.
Brixmor is a REIT that owns and operates a high-quality, national portfolio of open-air shopping centers. Its 373 retail centers comprise approximately 66 million square feet of prime retail space in established trade areas. The company strives to own and operate shopping centers that reflect Brixmor’s vision “to be the center of the communities we serve” and are home to a diverse mix of thriving national, regional and local retailers. Brixmor is a proud real estate partner to over 5,000 retailers including The TJX Companies, The Kroger Co., Publix Super Markets, and Ross Stores.