BURLINGTON, Mass., July 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuance
Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) announced today that it has
released its 2021 ESG Report detailing progress against its
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability strategy
and programs that underscore the company's ongoing commitment to
creating value and making a positive and lasting impact for its
employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. This is the
second year the company has issued an ESG report.
"Our 2021 ESG report reflects who we are as a company and
underscores our unwavering commitment to creating a supportive,
inclusive, ethical, and equitable culture for our employees;
investing in and caring for our communities; keeping our products
and customers' data secure; increasing our engagement with our
shareholders; further reducing our carbon footprint; and continuing
to support our customers," said Mark
Benjamin, Nuance's Chief Executive Officer. "This year, we
continued to make decisions and take action in direct support of
those priorities. We are proud of what we have accomplished and
remain committed to advancing these critical areas in the
future."
"Nuance is extremely purpose-driven and values-oriented, and
that is reflected in everything the company does: from how it
identifies and executes its priorities, to how it meaningfully
supports its employees and contributes to global communities and
economies," said Lloyd Carney,
Chairman of Nuance's Board of Directors. "This fierce focus drives
Nuance's incredible outcomes and experiences for employees,
communities, customers, partners, and shareholders, alike."
Nuance's 2021 ESG Report is aligned with the Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework, a state-of-the-art
format for communicating ESG-related activity and impact in a
structured manner. This year, the company also included its
performance against the World Economic Forum ESG metrics.
Highlights of the report include:
- Corporate governance and business ethics: Nuance
continues to evolve its best-in-class corporate governance and
ethics practices. This includes robust shareholder outreach, a 94
percent approval vote on Say-on-Pay (the highest in the company's
history), and most recently a 99 percent approval of the
Nuance-Microsoft acquisition agreement. The company also
standardized a process for analyzing new global laws and
regulations to ensure a deep understanding of potential
implications and compliance needs as it continues to grow and
expand into new markets and geographies. Additionally, the Board's
Nominating & Governance Committee updated its charter to
include oversight of two new areas: ESG strategy and reporting, and
Human Capital Management, which comprises talent management,
culture, and inclusion and diversity programs.
- Data privacy, compliance, and security: Nuance holds
itself to the highest data privacy, compliance, and security
standards to maintain the trust of its customers. The company made
notable investments in fortifying its security posture as
cybercrime, malware, and fraud attacks continued to rise due to the
pandemic. In 2020, the company also formed a Risk Management
Committee whose work is reviewed by the Board and is responsible
for assessing risk, assigning task forces, and developing and
implementing mitigation plans. Importantly, Nuance continues to
stay abreast of and compliant with the latest data privacy
regulations in Europe, as outlined
in its Trust Center, and received HITRUST certification attesting
its Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX), PowerShare, Clinical
Documentation Excellence (CDE) One, Dragon Medical Advisor, and
Surgical Computer-Assisted Physician Documentation solutions meet
multiple security, privacy, and compliance standards. The company
also received Payment Card Industry (PCI) certification for many of
its Enterprise solutions, ensuring data protection standards are
met.
- COVID-19 response and customer relief: Nuance continues
to support its employees, communities, and customers throughout the
pandemic, enhancing benefits offerings, providing 24/7 access to
mental health resources, setting up company-sponsored vaccination
clinics, as well as assisting with community pandemic relief
efforts – including setting up field hospitals and vaccination
clinics, distributing health equipment, and helping to provide
access to virtual care and special assistance for vulnerable
populations. The company also partnered with customers to create
cutting-edge technology that prioritizes and expedites COVID-19
vaccine shipments, assists with vaccination scheduling and
follow-ups, enables telehealth, and powers touchless grocery
delivery services to help ease the burden of the pandemic for
communities worldwide.
- Deep commitment to people: Nuance is fiercely
committed to the success of its employees and creating a supportive
environment where everyone is united by a shared Purpose, empowered
to do their best work, and able to be their authentic selves so
they can thrive. The company continues to invest in important
professional development initiatives, including mentorship
programs, manager academy and executive leadership training, online
professional educational resources, and regular learning sessions
that cover a variety of topics designed to support employees
throughout their careers. The company has a 91 percent employee
retention rate and, over the course of the last year, was named a
Great Place to Work more than ten times by various institutions.
And, despite the challenges from the pandemic, Nuance received the
highest employee engagement score in company history.
- Carbon footprint reduction of data centers and office
buildings: Nuance continues to take substantial steps to lower
its greenhouse gas emissions footprint and mitigate exposure to
climate-related risks by transitioning to the public cloud and
upgrading the information technology infrastructure in the data
centers it maintains.
To learn more about Nuance's sustainability strategy, policies,
and programs, as well as the company's ongoing commitment to
upholding the highest standards for its employees, customers,
shareholders, and communities, visit the Nuance 2021 ESG
Report.
About Nuance Communications, Inc.
Nuance
Communications (NASDAQ: NUAN) is a technology pioneer with
market leadership in conversational AI and ambient intelligence. A
full-service partner trusted by 77 percent of U.S. hospitals and 85
percent of the Fortune 100 companies worldwide, Nuance creates
intuitive solutions that amplify people's ability to help
others.
Trademark reference: Nuance and the Nuance logo are
registered trademarks or trademarks of Nuance Communications, Inc.
or its affiliates in the United States and/or other
countries. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property
of their respective owners.
Media Contacts
Nuance
Communications
Nancy
Scott
+1 781.565.4130
Nancy.Scott@nuance.com
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SOURCE Nuance Communications, Inc.