Corporate Responsibility
At Paychex, our purpose has been clear since our founding in 1971: to help businesses succeed. More than five decades later, that purpose continues to guide how we serve our clients, support our employees, engage with our communities, and create long-term value for shareholders.
Read the full letter from John Gibson
What began as a revolutionary payroll solution for small businesses has evolved into a comprehensive portfolio of technology and advisory solutions that help organizations navigate the growing complexity of HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance. While the needs of businesses have changed significantly over time, one thing has remained constant: our belief that lasting success is built by doing business the right way.
That principle starts with our values – Integrity, Partnership, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, and Service. These values shape our culture, inform our decision-making, and define how we show up for our stakeholders each day. They are also the foundation of our approach to corporate responsibility.
At Paychex, corporate responsibility is not a standalone program. It is embedded in our business strategy, our governance, and our operations. It is championed by employees across the organization, guided by our cross-functional Ethics and Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee, and overseen by our Board of Directors. This structure helps ensure that the issues most important to our stakeholders – including corporate governance and ethics, people, communities and environment – remain integrated into how we manage and grow the business.
In fiscal 2026, we continued to advance this work while also delivering on our mission at scale. We served approximately 840,000 customers and helped pay 1 in 11 U.S. private sector workers. We remained focused on helping businesses adapt to an evolving environment shaped by economic uncertainty, regulatory change, and rapid technological innovation. At the same time, we continued investing in the capabilities, talent, and responsible business practices that position our company for long-term success.
Our values-led culture continues to be one of Paychex’s greatest strengths. In FY26, we invested in employee training, leadership development, mentoring, well-being, and belonging and engagement initiatives designed to help our people thrive. We know that when employees feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow, they are better positioned to innovate, collaborate, and deliver exceptional service to our clients.
We are equally committed to maintaining the trust placed in us by our clients, employees, and shareholders. As a company entrusted with highly sensitive information, we recognize that strong governance, ethical conduct, privacy, and cybersecurity are essential to our business and our reputation. In FY26, Paychex strengthened its AI governance framework through formal oversight by our Data and Artificial Intelligence Committee and the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy. We also achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification, continued to strengthen our enterprise security practices, and maintained rigorous oversight of privacy and data protection. We were also honored to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere® for the 18th time – recognition that reflects the integrity and accountability our employees bring to their work every day.
Our commitment to corporate responsibility also extends beyond our own operations. Through the Paychex Charitable Foundation, employee giving, and volunteerism, we continue to support the well-being of the communities we serve. In FY26, the Foundation awarded a record 143 grants totaling $3 million, while Paychex and its employees raised nearly $1.7 million for United Way organizations. We were also honored to be one of just 43 companies globally recognized by United Way Worldwide as a Leading Corporate Partner, reflecting our long-standing support and the impact of our employees’ generosity. These efforts are creating tangible impact in areas such as mental health, food security, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity.
We also continue to make progress on our environmental priorities. As a technology and services company, our environmental footprint is relatively low, and we are focused on driving continuous improvement in the areas where our impacts are most significant, including energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource consumption. We remain committed to our ambition of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and continue to take practical steps to improve energy efficiency, optimize our facilities, and reduce emissions across our operations.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence in our strategy, our people, and our purpose. The business environment will continue to evolve, but our focus remains the same: helping businesses succeed while creating positive, lasting impact for all our stakeholders.
Thank you for your interest in Paychex and in our corporate responsibility journey. I invite you to read this report to learn more about the progress we are making and the values that continue to guide us forward.
John B. Gibson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Paychex, Inc.
Corporate Responsibility Reports
Corporate Responsibility Focus Areas
We believe pursuing a robust Corporate Responsibility strategy is critical to the continued success of Paychex.
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Paychex Values
Our clients fuel our purpose. Our people power our business. Our shareholders share in our success. Our communities benefit from our contributions.
We conduct our business with integrity, because our clients entrust us with their most sensitive information and rely on us to help care for what matters most: their business and their people.
We are accountable to seek out the best outcomes for our clients and manage our impacts on the communities in which we work and the environment.
We drive innovation in our products and services that respond to our clients’ evolving needs while delivering value to our investors.
We work in partnership – in and outside of Paychex – to support our colleagues, create positive experiences for our clients, and build strong relationships with the communities that we serve.
We treat our employees with respect by supporting their ongoing development, fostering a culture of belonging and offering world-class benefits that promote all aspects of well-being.
We provide outstanding service, building trust and a foundation for success through dialogue with our clients, partners, and fellow employees.
Prime Corporate ESG Performance
Since November 2023, Paychex has maintained a Prime Corporate ESG Performance rating by ISS ESG.
Champions in Action
Nearly 7% of our employees—representing locations around the world – volunteer as Paychex Culture Champions. Our Culture Champions come from a broad range of roles within Paychex and embrace the responsibility of living our values and serving as role models for their colleagues.
2025 America's Climate Leaders
For the third consecutive year, Paychex has been recognized by USA Today on the America's Climate Leaders list for the company's achievement in reducing its core emissions and carbon footprint.
Annual CDP Reporting
"For 25 years, CDP has stood shoulder to shoulder with companies leading the way on environmental action and creating a world where people, planet and profit are balanced and protected.
Environmental risk is financial risk and operational risk. By disclosing data through CDP, companies like Paychex are taking the first step in measuring and managing their impacts, reducing the risks to their bottom line and seizing opportunities for growth. And the results are clear - investing in resilience and mitigating climate risk can deliver returns of up to $21 for every $1 spent, while within two years of their first CDP disclosure, companies can reduce their emissions by 7-10%.
Tackling environmental risks head-on creates a more resilient economy, increases companies’ ability to innovate and invest, and protects our planet. Disclosure is a critical tool, underpinning and guiding the action companies take to drive change for the future. We truly appreciate the support of Paychex as we encourage transparency, action and Earth-positive decision making for the benefit of all.”
-Simon Fischweicher, Chief Delivery Officer, CDP
