Water flows down the drain of a KOHLER Artist Edition sink.

Fair Employment Practices

Kohler Co.’s Commitment

At Kohler Co., we strive to create a diverse and inclusive culture where we bring our full selves to work and know we are valued team members working together with a shared purpose. The variety of our backgrounds and experiences contributes to the success of Kohler Co.

Kohler Co. is committed to fairness in all employment-related processes and programs. Kohler Co. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company is also committed to fairly paying associates in compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, rules, and regulations. Employment at Kohler Co. is freely chosen, and associates are free to leave at any time.

Our Role

As associates, we support these commitments by:

  • Ensuring employment decisions are based on ability and not on beliefs or any other personal characteristic; 
  • Providing fair and equitable wages, benefits, and other employment conditions in accordance with local laws; 
  • Prohibiting the use of forced, involuntary, and child labor and the unreasonable restriction of associates’ freedom of movement; and
  • Ensuring our suppliers and business partners uphold the same principles. 

The Scenario

When first hired and as a transgender woman, Pat was confident in the Company’s commitment to providing an equal opportunity work environment. But during the first few months on the job, Pat quickly felt discriminated against because of their identity as a transgender woman. It was not anything blatant, but Pat was not given the same challenging assignments, responsibilities, and opportunities as team members who identify differently. Although there was no one specific situation that represented Pat’s concerns, the situation had to be addressed.

Our Stance

At Kohler Co., our fair employment practices policy must be represented and upheld beyond the recruiting and hiring process. Concerns should be brought to a manager or supervisor, Human Resources, Legal, Compliance and Ethics, or the Ethics Helpline.