As 2021 comes to a close, Samsung Electronics America reflects on the year and celebrates all the company has accomplished.

2021 was a year filled with adaptation as old habits merged with new ways of living in a collective journey toward the next normal. Samsung Electronics America spent this year working harder than ever to improve the lives of both employees and consumers, resulting in a considerable amount to be thankful for.

Staying Connected Nationwide

As remote work remained in place for a majority of workforces nationwide, Samsung employees continued to connect virtually and demonstrate the company’s value in its people. April marked the second annual Take Your Child to Work from Home Day, a time to celebrate the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers and creative thinkers. Filled with webinars, activities and games, employees and their children were given the opportunity to share the fun with others in a safe and engaging way.

Being dispersed across the country allowed for over 1,300 opportunities for employees to get involved in the company’s 11th annual Samsung Gives Week of Service. With 28 various activities in partnership with 16 different organizations, participants could choose events aligned with their passions and interests. The common goal of helping others and engaging photos shared company-wide formed a sense of community as individuals partook in webinars, constructed kits, and even cleaned up local areas with each other, family, and friends.

Driving Innovation

In searching for solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, Samsung Electronics North America President and CEO KS Choi met with government leaders and other CEOs of major companies at the White House in October. With supply chain issues becoming an increasing concern among companies and consumers alike, Samsung pledged to move an additional 5,000 containers out of Los Angeles and Long Beach ports by operating 24/7 through mid-January 2022, providing an increase of nearly 60 per cent in supply.

With the goal of improving efficiency and quality of life for all, Samsung released a wide range of innovative products throughout the year.

Bespoke Refrigerator 4 Door Flex

The company’s commitment to excellence in the above areas led to recognition throughout the year. The world-renowned International Design Excellence Awards showcased Samsung’s unique product, consumer lifestyle and advanced concept designs with 48 awards this past September. A month later, Samsung was ranked 5th in Interbrand’s 100 Best Global Brands after achieving a 20 per cent increase in brand value from 2020.

Empowering People & Preserving Our Planet

2021 allowed for great progress in our continued journey to foster a community of respect and belonging among our diverse workforce. As we acknowledge all that still needs to be done, Samsung is humbled to have been listed for the second consecutive year as one of the World’s #1 Best Employers and Best Employers for Veterans by Forbes. Additionally, the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index ranked Samsung as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. These honors were significantly made possible through activities driven by our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). This year, Samsung introduced UNIDOS, the company’s sixth ERG dedicated to empowering Samsung’s Hispanic and Latino community. In addition to internal events designed to educate on our workforce’s various cultures and traditions, each Employee Resource Group has contributed to new partnerships with external organizations to attract and retain diverse talent.

Rewriting the Future: Diversity & Inclusion

Advancements in Samsung’s sustainability efforts created company-wide excitement as we received the ENERGY STAR Corporate Commitment Award and the EPA Gold Tier and Sustainable Materials Management Champion Awards for outstanding energy efficiency, recycling and eco-design innovations. With 100 per cent of tablets, notebooks, front-load washers and dishwashers, 81 per cent of refrigerators, 60 per cent of top-load washers and 49 per cent of dryers labeled as ENERGY STAR certified this year, Samsung is continuously seeking to minimize the carbon footprint in all aspects of the business.