For the fourth consecutive year, Southern Company has been named among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc. The company also ranked ninth on the list for Top Companies for Veterans. Both recognitions were announced at DiversityInc's annual diversity and inclusion awards event held at Cipriani Wall Street on Tuesday, May 7.

"Southern Company is committed to creating a workplace environment where employees from different backgrounds and perspectives can realize their full potential," said Tom Fanning, president, chairman and CEO of Southern Company. "Our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion is embedded in our culture, and allows us to better anticipate change, see around corners and achieve success as we build the future of energy."

The DiversityInc Top 50 list, which ranked Southern Company No. 33, recognizes the nation's top companies for diversity and inclusion management. These companies excel in such areas as hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ and veterans.

"DiversityInc Top 50 Companies have a decisive advantage because they treat people more fairly than other companies," notes Luke Visconti, founder and CEO of DiversityInc. "Everybody, including white men, are far better off working for them because there is more opportunity at better run companies. Top 50 companies also deliver a greater-than-average return for shareholders."

DiversityInc's annual survey yields an empirically-driven ranking based on talent results in the workforce and management, senior leadership accountability, talent programs, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity.

"At Southern Company, our values drive our culture, guide our decisions and are key to our sustained success," said Sloane Drake, senior vice president of human resources at Southern Company. "We believe how we do our work is just as important as what we do. For us, that means having a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong."