Interview with…
Gwen Migita, Corporate Director of CSR, Harrah’s Entertainment

How do you define your employer brand in one or two words?

Code of Commitment. Harrah’s Code of Commitment sets the standards that govern our company’s relationships with our guests, employees, and local communities.   It encompasses our commitments with respect to responsible gaming, employee growth and development, volunteerism and philanthropy, diversity, and environmental sustainability. With respect to the environment, Harrah’s  has incorporated sustainability programs , aggregated under the internal brand CodeGreen,  into all of its properties and activities, making a fundamental commitment to the environment an integrated component of everyday business operations.  CodeGreen is a comprehensive best practices approach, engaging employees and partners in conservation and efficiency efforts as well as driving continuous improvement of facilities and processes to make them more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. 

 What differentiates you from your competitors?

Scope and leadership.  We were the first casino company to articulate a set of CSR standards.  We are the only gaming entertainment company that is an EPA Climate Leader, the only gaming company to have been named to the Dow Jones Global Sustainability Index for six years, and the only gaming company to have received a regional Environmental Quality Award, the highest award given to the public from the EPA. Twenty years ago, we developed the first Responsible Gaming programs for the gaming industry, and were the first casino company recognized for leadership by the National Council on Problem Gambling. 

What are you working on right now?

Harrah’s is working on company-wide carbon emissions reduction goals, waste management through stricter procurement standards, innovative partnerships with global environmental NGOs, and improved tracking of employee volunteer HERO (Harrah’s Entertainment Reaching Out) programs to build on the 125,000 hours we contributed through company-sponsored activities in 2008. 

What new initiatives have you developed?

Harrah’s partnered with NativeEnergy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with our World Series of Poker’s main event and Ante up for Africa celebrity tournament.  In conjunction with Meals on Wheels of America, the Harrah’s Foundation funded the first comprehensive study and action plan on senior hunger in the United States.  And, our Caesars Atlantic City HERO team and the Harrah’s Foundation worked with Habit for Humanity to fund and build the first green Habitat home in the country.

How does the talent market perceive you as an employer?

Our reputation as an employer is excellent.  We have been named one of the top places to work for IT professionals by Computerworld Magazine for nearly a decade, received two perfect scores on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign for LGBT employees, and received a Best Place to Work award as an employer from a number of jurisdictions in which we operate.

In 2008, BusinessWeek identified us as the “most generous company in America” based on a percent of our pre-tax profit.  We donate $1.5 million per week to charities across America. 

We feel that leadership and a strong record in corporate, social and environmental responsibility differentiates Harrah’s Entertainment from other employers.