Corporate Responsibility
At Paychex, our story began in 1971 with a simple but powerful purpose: to help businesses succeed. More than fifty years later, that purpose continues to guide us – fueling the work we do to support entrepreneurs and business leaders, strengthen local economies, and build healthier, more resilient communities.
Read the full letter from John Gibson
Our commitment to doing business the right way began with our founder, Tom Golisano, and a revolutionary payroll offering to address the unmet needs of small businesses. That offering has evolved into a full suite of technology and advisory solutions designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Doing business the right way endures a half-century later through the values that our employees live every day: Integrity, Partnership, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, and Service. These principles shape how we serve our clients, how we support each other, and how we engage with the world around us.
Corporate responsibility is woven into the fabric of Paychex. It is championed by our employees, guided by a cross-functional Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee and overseen at the board level. This ensures that sustainability, governance, and citizenship are not separate, isolated initiatives, but integral to how we operate and make decisions at every level of the organization.
Our purpose is defined not only by what we do, but by how we do it. By supporting our clients, investing in our people, and strengthening our communities, we have earned recognition as one of the world’s most ethical and innovative companies, and as one of the best places to work. These honors reflect the collective commitment of our employees to exceed the expectations of our many stakeholders while upholding the highest standards in everything we do.
The environment in which businesses operate today is changing at an unprecedented pace – whether because of technological innovation, competitive pressures, or evolving regulations. Paychex has embraced this challenge by focusing on what matters most: helping our clients adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape. By combining our industry-leading technology with an unwavering dedication to customer success, we empower businesses to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
In early 2025, we marked a historic milestone by welcoming Paycor to the Paychex family. This pairing expanded our ability to deliver on our purpose of helping businesses succeed, which further increased the impact we have on our communities. Together, we proudly launched the “Pay It Forward” initiative, uniting our teams in service to dozens of community organizations in Cincinnati, Rochester, and beyond.
As we grow, so does our responsibility to be good corporate citizens. We take this responsibility very seriously. As a result, we continue to set clear and specific objectives, measure our progress, and report transparently on our performance.
Supporting businesses and communities has always been central to who we are, and our ability to do so has never been stronger. As you read this report, I hope you will see the impact of our continued commitment to our purpose and always doing business the right way.
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.
Policies
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
“As the founder of environmental reporting, CDP is dedicated to building a world where people, planet and profit are truly balanced. We greatly appreciate the support of Paychex in our efforts to continue pioneering transparency; powering corporate environmental action.
Transparency drives action at all levels. Within two years of an investor request, companies disclosing through CDP reduce their direct emissions by 7-10%.
Disclosure is far more than a box to tick. It’s a tool to see clearly, act decisively and create change. If we are to solve the environmental crisis, disclosure data must be a tool every organization – large or small – has in their kit.
Transparent disclosure holds the key, meaning that now this commitment from Paychex is more important than ever. With the support of Paychex we can collect the data needed to surface new information, enabling you to make Earth-positive decisions to protect future generations.”
—Simon Fischweicher, Chief Delivery Officer, CDP
Previous Corporate Responsibility Reports
At Paychex, putting good to work reflects our approach to corporate responsibility. It’s empowering our Employees through well-being, inclusion, and diversity. It’s giving back and making a positive impact in our Communities. It’s serving as a good steward of the Environment. It’s a commitment to Ethics and doing business the right way for ourselves and our clients. It’s about everything we do to Be Paychex.
