Final answer:
Albertson & Sons Inc.'s home loan assistance initiative is a workforce diversity program that aims to improve employee work-life balance and loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initiative by Albertson & Sons Inc. to assist new employees with securing home loans can be classified as a workforce diversity program. This kind of program recognizes the diverse needs of employees and creates policies that assist them in achieving a work-life balance. Such initiatives are aimed at reducing work-family conflict and are beneficial in fostering long-term employee loyalty and satisfaction.
Companies like IBM, Lucent Technologies, and SC Johnson have implemented similar policies, as observed by Posig & Kickul (2004), to support their employees' personal life events and daily responsibilities. The impact of these schemes is significant, as it not only supports the workforce but also contributes to a company's growth by ensuring a committed and diverse team.
Regarding financial strategies for businesses, loan diversification is crucial for banks to protect themselves against high rates of loan defaults and asset-liability mismatches. By lending to a variety of customers in different industries and locations, banks minimize their exposure to default risk and improve their chances of maintaining a positive net worth.