Our obligations as a U.S. government contractor
Our Company has special obligations regarding fair employment practices and is subject to regulatory oversight of our hiring and workplace policies.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, promotion, transfer and compensation of all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information or any other “protected category” set by applicable law.
In addition to respecting protected categories, we are respectful and considerate of every individual in the conduct of our business, regardless of differences in belief systems, styles, experiences, perspectives and other things that shape their uniqueness.
Non-U.S. operations
As the Company expands its operations internationally, the management principles established in the Code will apply absent potential conflicts with applicable laws in other jurisdictions. These conflicts may involve applicable laws of two or more countries or this Code and applicable non-U.S. laws. If such a circumstance presents, please consult with Legal, Risk and Compliance for guidance on how to resolve that conflict properly.
At-will employment
The Code and Guidelines are not intended to, and do not, create an employment contract (or other contractual obligation) of any kind with any Company employee. Unless otherwise provided by written agreement with your employer, your employment is “at-will,” meaning that either you or your employer may end employment without notice for any reason or no reason at all. Further, nothing herein constitutes conditions of employment or should be construed as express or implied contractual commitments by the Company.
Respect for your rights
Nothing in this Code or any Company policy shall, or shall be construed to, limit any employee’s right, if any, to discuss the terms and conditions of employment or to engage in protected concerted activity as defined by law (such as in Section 7 of the U.S. National Labor Relations Act). In addition, neither this Code nor any Company policy shall be construed to prohibit you from filing a complaint or communicating, reporting or assisting in the reporting or investigation of possible violations of federal, state or local law or regulations to any governmental agency or self-regulatory organization, or making other disclosures that reasonably may be protected under whistleblower or other provisions of any applicable federal, state or local law or regulation. Prior authorization of, or notice to, the TIAA family of companies is not required to make any such reports or disclosures. However, the organization wants employees to share such concerns, anonymously (in countries where permitted by law) if desired, by contacting the Ethics Helpline without fear of retaliation. Phone numbers for the Ethics Helpline can be found in the Helpline Directory section of this Code.