Google and Microsoft have been ranked as the ‘most inclusive & diverse’ workplaces in the world by Generation Z, according to the latest study carried out by employer branding specialist Universum. With diversity and inclusion (D&I) now one of the hottest topics on organisations’ agendas, Universum’s latest D&I Index list, reveals which companies are perceived to be the most ‘inclusive & diverse’, by business and STEM students around the world.
Universum annually surveys tens of thousands of college students worldwide to determine what the next generation of talent is looking for from their future employers. The survey asks them about which organisations they view as ideal places to work through evaluating 40 workplace attributes. Its D&I Index is based on these survey results for three of those attributes (support for gender equality, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and respect for the company’s people), to find out which workplaces are the most ‘welcoming and inclusive’.
BIG WINNERS
The big winners on the D&I Index list this year are the tech, FMCG and professional services firms, confirmed Universum.
TOP 10 ‘most inclusive and diverse workplaces in the world’ for business students:
- Microsoft
- Unilever
- L’Oréal Group
- Procter & Gamble (P&G)
- Apple
- adidas
- Johnson & Johnson
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Amazon
TOP 10 ‘most inclusive and diverse workplaces in the world’ for STEM students:
- Microsoft
- Johnson & Johnson
- L’Oréal Group
- Unilever
- Apple
- Procter & Gamble (P&G)
- adidas
- Nestlé
- The Coca-Cola Company
TOP PERFORMERS
According to Universum’s findings, the top performing companies in the D&I Index have been committed to fostering inclusive cultures, are outspoken about the importance of having underrepresented minorities and groups in top management, and are the most active in communicating true and authentic messages around the topic, both internally and externally. They are also the ones that have clearly showcased their commitment to gender equality in traditionally male-dominated roles and senior leadership positions.
For years, the big tech players like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and IBM, have ‘worked hard’ internally to foster inclusive and diverse environments, and what makes it all real and credible is their openness to admit to the external audience that ‘they are not quite there yet’, said Universum. This transparency and their commitment to invest more and better is very appealing to talent, who is also looking for that level of transparency in an employer.
Photo credit: Microsoft
The FMCG industry is recognised for having been fairly conscious about the importance of the D&I topic, added Universum: In order to meet their customers’ needs they have had to reflect the diverse landscape that they were trying to engage.
However, the index findings reveal that only a few of these firms, such as Unilever, J&J and L’Oréal, have really ‘stood out as leading the way with D&I best practices’. These firms have been very vocal about their numerous internal initiatives to drive and foster respectful cultures by promoting affinity groups, formal and informal mentorship programmes, and showcasing both women and minorities in key roles and many female role models in leadership positions in STEM.
LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT
The top performers in the D&I Index, regardless of the industry they represent, all have one thing in common – a clear commitment from their leadership. “It’s clear to them that D&I are business initiatives and not just “a nice to have,” confirmed Universum.
Commenting on the D&I Index results, Universum’s Global Director Claudia Tattanelli, stated: “As someone said, ‘diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance’. For students a respectful work environment leads to the creation of an inclusive place that will foster a great gender equality and a real commitment to D&I. Without inclusion, without that right approach, without that culture that wants to listen, there is no such thing as a real diverse work force. You can hire it, but you will not retain it. It is not just a cute campaign; you have to actually do it.
“Having a diverse and inclusive environment and being seen as such by graduates will help organisations not just attract them – because the message is so important to students – but will be essential in ensuring companies can retain them and foster that great work environment that will help not only the companies’ bottom line, but also in embracing diversity to drive innovation and push forward their transformation.”
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