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Switch’s commitment to human rights is embodied in our core values of honesty, integrity and accountability, which form the basis of the Switch Culture Code. Switch takes seriously the importance of offering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Our expectation is that all clients, employees, agents and business partners will be treated with respect and dignity, and that our interactions with others will be free from abuse, discrimination and corruption of all kinds. We do not tolerate forced or child labor, human trafficking or slavery in any form and are committed to the protection of minority groups and women’s rights.
Our company policies, including our Employee Handbook and Switch Business Code of Conduct prohibit discrimination and outline our policies preventing unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and the numerous resources employees have if they wish to report any potential violations of these policies. Switch also conducts harassment training for all of its employees. All reports of potential violations of policy are promptly addressed by members of Switch’s Human Resources and/or Legal department.
Since our founding in 2000, Switch has had ZERO substantiated claims of discrimination
“In line with our values and an approach of fairness and social well-being for all employees, Switch maintains an open door policy and welcomes discussion regarding changes potentially affecting our employees, even where there is no obligation to do so.
Switch is committed to providing a fair living wage and fair working hours for all employees. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of occupation health and safety, and our policies encompass facility and operations in all regions.”
Switch closely monitors its occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance including work related injuries, diseases and fatalities.
Switch believes in promoting the health of our employees and their families and provides a comprehensive benefits package.
The full list of Switch benefits can be found here.
Switch’s DEI Policy
Switch was founded on the principle of KARMA and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We value talent, innovation, passion, and intelligence as Switch’s most valuable assets. These assets shape our company culture, reputation, and achievement and are dependent upon the varying perspectives, life experiences, backgrounds, and abilities of our employees.
We embrace and encourage our employees’ differentiated insights, including those enriched by gender, gender expression, age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, family or marital status, national origin, physical or mental ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and all other characteristics that make our employees unique. To reinforce our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, all team members are required to complete annual diversity awareness training. In addition, Switch formed a Diversity Council that is chaired by our President and Chief Legal Officer and led by our VP of Human Resources. The council oversees diversity initiatives such as: 1) Raising awareness about the value of a diverse workforce; 2) Partnering with business units to drive diversity strategies and goals, develop business unit-specific tactics, report outcomes and celebrate successes; 3) Promoting key internal and external diversity programs and determining accountability for recruiting, training, developing and retaining diverse talent; 4) Raising awareness about the importance of community outreach and the inclusion of diverse suppliers in our procurement process; and 5) Sharing information and analytics about the clear relationship between diversity and business performance.
Since its founding, Switch has embraced a culture of diversity and equality, and is a technology company where women represent more than half of our senior leadership team.
Workforce diversity is critical to success at Switch because it empowers us to deliver superior client service, attract and retain talented employees, maximize productivity, and serve the communities in which we operate. Switch provides annual workplace diversity training to all its team members that focuses on what diversity is, how it’s different from discrimination, and what team members can do to become more inclusive of others.
Switch provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Switch is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. In accordance with applicable law and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), Switch prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service member status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws. Switch’s commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in Switch’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee or agent of Switch, including supervisors and coworkers. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.
Switch is committed to providing competitive and equitable pay to all team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service member status, or genetic information.
This information is contained in our internal EEO-1 Report. The data is provided annually to the U.S. Department of Labor for statistical analysis available to the general public.
At Switch, we make a concerted effort to hire qualified military veterans. We find their experience, discipline, and leadership qualities as extremely valuable attributes, particularly within our mission critical data center operations and security staff. Veterans currently represent over 25% of our full-time staff, the majority of
whom work within our Security Operations team.
Veterans comprise 80% of our security staff and 30% of our overall workforce
Switch is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct, and we follow the mantra that if you put good energy out, good energy will return. We rely on our vendors and service providers to support this commitment. These Business Partner Guidelines (these “Guidelines”) apply to all Switch business partner relationships, including vendors, contractors, resellers, consultants, suppliers and service providers, and each of their employees, agents and subcontractors (each, and collectively, a “Provider”).
Switch is dedicated to working with partners and service providers who share our fundamental values and demonstrate their own commitment to promoting individual human rights. We expect our Representatives to treat their employees, agents, clients and business partners with respect and dignity, free from abuse, harassment or discrimination based on any status, condition or category protected by law.
Providers must fully comply with all applicable labor, health and safety, anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation and other workplace laws, including those addressing equal pay, child labor, forced labor, slavery and human trafficking, and wage and hour laws.
Prior to onboarding new business partners, applicants are expected to review and attest to the Switch Business Partner Guidelines, which is inclusive of our Human Rights Statement and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Switch is also committed to providing opportunities for qualified businesses owned by people of diverse backgrounds to participate synergistically with our company. Of our current list of providers 15% are qualified as a small or diverse business. We continue to encourage diversity by engaging a broad range of business partners, and sourcing goods and services from the communities we serve whenever possible.
Of our current list of providers, 15% are qualified as a small or diverse business
Switch is a corporate member of WESTERN REGIONAL MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (WRMSDC), an affiliate of NMSDC
WRMSDC supports the growth and welfare of minority communities by championing the use of minority- owned businesses in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. The organization works to advance business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises and connect them to Corporate Members. Its parent organization, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, helps over 12,000 minority businesses connect with major Fortune 500 corporations and their buyers every year.
In Q4 2021, Switch conducted its semi-annual Pulse Survey which offers all employees an opportunity to anonymously provide feedback to measure their satisfaction and recognition of value at Switch. The scoring is measured based on responses to the following statements: 1) I feel valued for my contributions to the company; and 2) I am happy working at Switch. In the Q4 2021 survey, 91% of participants responded with “strongly agree”, “agree”, or “neutral” on Statement #1, and 96% on Statement #2. The overall response rate was 57% on this initial survey.
Switch recognizes that our team members are our greatest asset. As Switch continues the pursuit of designing, building and operating the world’s most advanced data centers and leading through innovation in technology infrastructure, we know that our continued success depends on the sustained contributions of bright, energetic, talented people who share our mission-critical mindset. Our recruitment and hiring efforts result in a diverse workforce mirroring the communities in which Switch does business.
At Switch, we understand that recruiting talent for the technology industry has to start at an early age. According to the World Economic Forum “sixty-five percent of children entering primary school will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist.” That is why Switch is building a workforce pipeline aimed at attracting some of the youngest, brightest minds. We achieve this through partnerships with STEAM-based organizations like the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Organization (FIRST Robotics), Code.org, ArtPrize and Green Our Planet. Switch is a large proponent of STEAM education because we fundamentally believe it is what will inspire the next generation of technology leaders. We choose to partner with these organizations because they align with our mission of supporting and promoting STEAM education throughout the world.
One of the STEAM-based organizations that Switch regularly supports, FIRST, is a non-profit organization inspiring K-12 student to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills. FIRST fosters innovation skills and well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership among students. Not only does Switch provide funding for various programs throughout the organization, but many of our own team members get involved through mentorship and volunteer opportunities.
Switch is a primary sponsor of FIRST Robotics regional competitions in our Prime locations: Las Vegas, Tahoe Reno, Atlanta and Grand Rapids.
Switch has partnered with universities and community colleges to develop curricula and to setup a workforce development pipeline to meet the future demands of specialty careers in technology throughout Nevada.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Switch hosts the Intel Cherry Creek Supercomputer for UNLV at its Core Campus in Las Vegas and donated a private high-speed optical fiber connection to the UNLV campus, providing researchers access to worldclass computing power and enabling UNLV to be the most connected University in the nation. Cherry Creek Supercomputer was ranked among the top 500 supercomputers and the 41st most energy efficient computer in the “Green 500” rankings. UNLV will have the opportunity to acquire new research grants and top faculty members as the computer helps to advance fields including genomics and bioinformatics, medical and climate research, molecular modeling and data analytics. The supercomputer enables UNLV to be on par with top-tier research universities nationwide and helps them to further their efforts toward becoming a Tier 1 Research University.
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
Switch provided an in-kind donation to UNR for 5-years of critical infrastructure support including space, power, data storage and security for UNR’s new highperformance computing cluster that offers 30 times more computing power. The cluster hosts programs to commercialize stationary robotic and advanced manufacturing systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, driverless cars, and underwater robots. It will be used for research that will include artificial intelligence, robotics, and computational biology. Click here for more information.
College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
Switch partnered with CSN to create an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Conditioning Systems-Critical Systems to prepare students for employment in technical, high-wage and high-demand fields. To date, hundreds of students have majored in Critical Systems at CSN. 100% of those who have gone through the program and interned with Switch have been hired.
Truckee Meadows Community College of Southern Nevada (TMCC)
Switch partnered with TMCC to create an Air Conditioning Systems-Critical Systems degree. Switch also donated equipment to Truckee Meadows Community College’s to the training program for data center engineering technicians in anticipation of the workforce demands of Switch’s Citadel Campus in Tahoe Reno. Graduates will be trained in operations and maintenance of commercial heating and cooling systems. Switch donated a cooling tower to the program so that students can work on the same equipment in the lab as they would work on at Switch and will provide training to TMCC faculty.
New Hire Orientation
The importance of delivering an impactful New Hire Orientation and onboarding experience cannot be overstated, as this is the first experience of every Switch team member. That is why we consider and evaluate this experience with the utmost priority. Our incredibly organized and well-executed event sets the bar high for Switch’s expectations of our new team members.
Technical, Safety & Professional Development Training
Promising 100% uptime is one thing; having a talented group of committed team members delivering consistent excellence for 20 years is what makes Switch an undisputed leader in the data center industry. To stay at the forefront of our industry, we recognize that it is critical to invest in our people. That’s why we provide our team members comprehensive technical, safety, and professional development training. Our team members collectively logged over 4,800 training hours last year, equating to more than 6 hours per employee.
In 2020, training programs were offered and taken by 100% of Switch’s full-time employees
Client Support Team Training
Switch team members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, so providing technical training for working in a mission-critical data center environment is a necessity. Many operational departments even have their own dedicated training organizations to analyze, develop, and implement role-specific and other technical training that meets the ever-evolving needs of our critical personnel. The Client Support team, the nucleus of our operations, commits 90 days to training new hires on internal communication standards, data privacy, and using Living Data Center, our proprietary data center infrastructure management system. The Data Center Operations team also dedicates 90 days to training new technicians to thrive in Switch’s critical power and cooling environment. Security Operations has a training team who has developed and facilitates a weeklong Security Academy for each new Security Officer.
Safety Training
It is critical that our teams not only perform their jobs competently, but safely. Switch provides role-based safety training including, but not limited to, CPR/AED/First Aid, Forklift and material equipment operation, Arc Flash (NFPA 70E), Fire Riser and Extinguisher operation and response, and Ladder and Scaffolding safety. We have taken the time to craft content specific to our organization. Many of our instructors are Switch team members; they know the landscape of Switch better than any external instructor and can intuitively recognize what team members need to work safely in a colocation data center environment.
Comprehensive Leadership Programs
In addition to the technical skills vital to day-to-day operations, Switch team members must be equipped with essential skills such as decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. As our team members develop, so do the roles they undertake. This is why Switch consistently invests in comprehensive leadership programs. We’ve even hired an in-house leadership development expert to create and facilitate multiple annual leadership training programs specific to the needs of Switch.
Open Feedback Culture
Switch promotes an open feedback culture through the use of our online team member portal. Switch is committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards. Consistent with those standards, we encourage employees to discuss complaints, suggestions or questions with their supervisor, human resources, or a Switch executive. Employees utilize this Voluntary Open-Door policy for reports and ideas that are not addressed through the Company’s specific reporting procedures. For times when a team member would like to remain anonymous, we have engaged a third party contractor to provide all Switch employees with access to a confidential Ethics Hotline.
Medical and Dental Insurance Premiums
At Switch, the health of our team members is critically important. That is why we offer one of the most competitive benefits programs in the industry. Switch covers 100% of medical and dental insurance premiums for all enrolled team members AND their dependents. Switch also offers a competitive 401(k) plan, as well as the option to participate in voluntary supplemental insurance, FSA and vision plans. To view more please visit Switch’s Careers webpage.
Meal Program
During any full shift at Switch, team members are able to enjoy meal-related benefits which include complimentary lunch from a variety of restaurants each day as well as a paid lunch break, allowing for team members to remain on site and available. Switch believes in offering this exceptional benefit in support of the mission-critical nature of our business and the commitment to 24/7 availability to our clients.
“Fitness for Life” Gym Reimbursement Program
With optimal health as the driving incentive behind the benefits we offer, Switch has implemented a Fitness for Life Gym Reimbursement program which will refund a significant portion of the cost of an average gym membership on a bi-weekly basis to our team members.
Onsite Medical and Wellness Program
Switch has taken its commitment to physical health to the next level with the addition of our newest department, LIFE MUSE, which is the health and wellness division of Switch under the guidance of Quinn Pauly, MD, FAAFP. This innovative corporate wellness and lifestyle platform incorporates the pillars of health, fitness, recovery, nutrition, meditation and professional development.
Bonuses, Increases and Advancement
Switch also offers the opportunity to earn annual performance-based bonuses, annual pay increases, and encourages upward mobility through merit based internal promotions.
Switch INSIDER
Switch’s internal communications platform, Switch INSIDER, is designed to create inclusiveness by providing real time communication with our staff. With daily updates, it is our goal to keep team members informed, educated and proud of what we are doing as a company. In an effort to further increase team member awareness, the Switch Engagement team also hosts Speaker Series events for all employees on a variety of topics focused on our company’s mission. These series are also recorded and live on our company’s internal site for those employees who cannot attend in person. Previous topics include, energy & sustainability, sustaining our physical world in a digital age and a look into our digital future.
Appreciation Celebrations
To further show appreciation for our team members, Switch hosts an annual holiday party where every employee receives a technology-forward gift from our CEO and Founder, Rob Roy. Any time a team member welcomes a new child into their family or has a major life event such as a wedding, they are offered an incredibly generous gift card. Many of our departments also hold monthly group birthday celebrations.
FIRST® Robotics
One of the STEAM-based organizations that Switch regularly supports, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is a non-profit organization inspiring K-12 students to become science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills. FIRST fosters innovation skills and well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership among students. Not only does Switch provide funding for various programs throughout the organization, but many of our own team members get involved through mentorship and volunteer opportunities. The process to volunteer is located on Switch’s internal share drive for all employees to access.
Employee Turnover
Switch prides itself on hiring the right people and doing our best to provide the resources, incentives, leadership, and upward mobility to ensure a positive, long-term relationship with our valued employees. Human Resources retains its employee turnover rate and provides a weekly, monthly, and annual departmental headcount report to Finance and the Board of Directors. Over the past five years, our annual employee turnover rate has ranged from 15%-18%. Average employee turnover across the Technology industry was approximately 21% according to the 2018 Mercer U.S. Turnover Survey. Since 2012, our employee turnover rate has never been above 20% in any single year.
Switch has established a strong track record of retention among its senior leadership team; with an average tenure of 9 years within its C-Suite and EVP-level staff, and an average tenure of 7 years for all VP-level and above staff.
Performance Reviews
Switch encourages supervisors and employees to discuss job performance and goals on an informal, day-to-day basis. All Hourly/Non-Exempt Employees, Supervisors and Managers receive an annual performance review. Formal performance reviews may be conducted throughout an employee’s introductory assessment period and after an initial period of time in any new position, and as needed. Performance reviews provide team members with the opportunity to discuss job tasks, identify areas of improvement, encourage and recognize strengths, and discuss positive, purposeful approaches for meeting goals.
Management Training
All team managers at Switch receive annual training on how to complete performance reviews for their teams, this ensures that they are familiarized with what to expect. Switch has provided various performance management courses on topics including (but not limited to): Enhancing Team Communication, Resolving Conflict, Collaborative Decision Making, and Building on Style Differences.
Switch offers intensive online and workshop driven curricula and training that holistically develops the talent of our company and the integration with our clients and vendors. In addition, quantitative targets are used in annual performance reviews to track employee progress for criteria specific to each individual’s role, and is used by supervisors to set goals and expectations for future employee development.
To ensure our managers and supervisors understand their vital roles as department leaders, Switch provides a comprehensive review of the processes and procedures to effectively navigate the “how to” of Human Resources. These interpersonal tools are the key building blocks leaders will need to effectively lead their teams and continually enhance their people management skills. Any innovative ideas and challenge/solution scenarios are reviewed by an internal committee.
Philanthropy
Switch was founded on the principle of karma: putting good energy out into the world and getting good energy back. As Switch builds more data centers to respond to the rapid growth of the Internet, we work to ensure that the surrounding communities, economies and the planet also benefit. Each year, we set aside funds designated to supporting our local communities.
Rob Roy’s Innevation Center is our Founder and CEO’s philanthropic contribution back to the state of Nevada. It is a collaborative co-working and event space that is focused on the advancement and exploration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and STEAM education.
University Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)
Switch has collaborated closely with UNLV to foster educational progress, career opportunities, and entrepreneurship in the local community.
Nevada Museum of Art
Switch was previously a multi-year supporter of the Nevada Museum of Art STEAM Curriculum program in Reno: 6,500 Pre-K-12 grade students receive STEAM-based educational lessons annually.1,200 Pre-K-12 teachers participate in professional development programs annually. Switch also committed a pledge to the Nevada Museum of Art at Symphony Park development in Las Vegas.
Green our Planet
Switch is a Platinum Sustaining Sponsor of Green Our Planet Outdoor Garden Classrooms. Green our Planet runs the largest school garden program in the United States and the largest student-run farmers market in the nation. They build outdoor vegetable garden classrooms and develops curriculum focused on STEAM, health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of fresh foods and healthy eating among youth. These efforts have resulted in: 150 gardens built, 80,000+ students benefiting, 3,000+ teachers actively using their STEAM curriculum, a 200+ student farmer’s market, and 1,200 teachers trained.
ArtPrize
Switch is a major multi-year sponsor of ArtPrize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan as the exclusive sponsor powering the ArtPrize STEAM Village Learning Lab and Mobile STEAM Lab experiences.
The Switch SUPERLOOP® Upgrades Rural Education
Switch extended fiber from the Switch SUPERLOOP® to upgrade and connect rural Nevada schools to highspeed broadband communications, increasing internet capacity by 2000% and decreasing costs by 14%. Switch provided private loans to White Pine, Lyon and Elko County school districts to fund their network equipment, leveraging our telecommunications buying power to reduce costs and improve the speed of internet connectivity in Northern Nevada schools.
Fiber and connectivity from the Switch SUPERLOOP® serves as the backbone for local ISPs – Valley Communications and Churchill County Communications – to deliver high-speed broadband to rural school districts in Northern Nevada. This increased high-speed connectivity and bandwidth enhances access to technology in the learning environment, and provides the infrastructure to support the future growth of technology integration within these rural districts for years to come. For example, this high-speed connectivity allows schools to administer standardized testing over the internet without the interruption of slow and unreliable service. Lost connections in the middle of an exam can force students to start over, which is simply unacceptable.
Switch fiber enables the following connections for educational purposes:
Switch maintains a library of additional policies and procedures to ensure its services are Tier 5 Platinum compliant and meet Switch’s aggressive sustainability standards. Switch secures these policies on site, to avoid the security risks of espionage, terrorism, sabotage, and cyber attack, inherent in unauthorized duplication, proliferation, or exploitation of these policies. If you would like additional detail or an on-site tour of Switch’s facilities to inspect these policies, please contact the Investor Relations Team (investorrelations@switch.com) or the Switch Policy team (policy@switch.com).
