An Environment Where Everyone
Can Thrive

Diverse Perspectives Make Us Stronger

An inclusive workplace where everyone’s experience and perspectives are valued makes for a stronger company with a brighter, more innovative future. We are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion because our people and communities are at the heart of what we do — and because a diverse, inclusive workplace culture is critical to our success.

Three Norfolk Southern employees converse in the headquarters lobby showcasing the railway company’s inclusive workplace culture.

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND
VALUING INCLUSION   

Growing Through Engagement 

Our Inclusion Leadership Council: Leading Voices for Bold Ideas and Greater Innovation

With members from diverse backgrounds, roles, and locations across every department, our Inclusion Leadership Council (ILC) works together to operationalize inclusion at NS, so our people are empowered to express themselves, explore different points of view, and question institutional norms. 

  

The ILC's leaders drive the cultivation of a culture throughout NS in which all employees feel valued, foster connections to accelerate the flow of ideas, and develop new ways of creating positive change.

A diverse group of employees sitting around an open area in Norfolk Southern headquarters demonstrate  the inclusive workplace culture.

Employee Resource Groups: Cross-Functional Commitment

We believe that a fulfilling career provides opportunities for professional and personal growth. That's why we encourage our employees to get involved in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that further their passions through volunteering, mentorship, and more. Recent ERG activities include:  

  • Sponsoring a virtual conversation with Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, to discuss the significance of the day 

  • Hosting a panel with female leaders in the transportation industry, including senior executives from UPS and Mercedes-Benz discussing succeeding in the workplace  

  • Organizing a volunteer event to partner with HQ employees across departments to clean up and help beautify Inman Yard, our large rail yard in Atlanta, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and appreciation from their NS colleagues working on the front lines every day 

Employees collaborating in the office at an employee resource group that supports Norfolk Southern’s inclusive workplace culture.

CEO Commitments

Leadership takes commitment. As the first railroad to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, we are taking concrete steps to imbed inclusion throughout our organization. We’re also building a foundation for greater inclusion with our CEO Alan Shaw’s commitment to the IN Pledge for Disability Inclusion. Under his leadership, we are:

  • Supporting open dialogue on complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity and inclusion 

  • Implementing and expanding unconscious bias education throughout our company 

  • Continually evaluating and sharing our progress to learn, improve, and grow 

Norfolk Sothern CEO and two employees are on site at an intermodal transport working on DEI initiatives.

Forging a Better Tomorrow

The future of rail is built on more than tracks. It's grounded in our commitments to environmental preservation, social responsibility, and the governance of our company. We are driven to do more for our customers, employees, communities, and our planet by:  

  • Cultivating an inclusive workplace in which everyone’s experiences and perspectives are valued to build a stronger, more innovative railroad 

  • Conserving natural resources and reducing our impact on the environment to create success for us and our customers 

  • Leading the way on safety, for our industry and our own operations, and advancing it into the communities we serve

An employee stands proudly on railway tracks, proud of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2023

We made Newsweek’s list of companies that are leading the way in support and equity for women.

America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2023 Logo

Best Companies to Work For 2022

The Women’s Choice Award named us as one of 270 companies with competitive benefits and work-life balance.

Best Companies to Work Women’s Choice Award logo

George Lottier Rising Star Award 2022

The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council recognized us for advancing supplier diversity.

George Lottier Rising Star Award for supplier diversity.

A Diverse Supply Chain Is Key to Our Success

We are committed to partnering with small businesses and certified diverse firms who deliver excellence.

Aerial photo of intermodal transportation port highlighting Norfolk Southern’s supplier diversity

Explore Careers

Let's Do Great Things — Together

We are driven to attract and develop the best talent to inspire innovation and push safety, productivity, and service further. Do you have what it takes to move the weight of the world?