Companies That Are Leaders in Diversity

Did you know that about 98 percent of the companies in the U.S. have a diversity program? Many diversity initiatives have exploded. One of the factors that make diversity programs successful at companies is strong leaders that fosters an open-minded perspective in the workplace. Achieving diversity at the office is not always easy, but it is possible. 

The following companies have been recognized for their solid and successful diversity practices. They were ranked based on data that they provided for a survey that was conducted by Diversity Inc. The survey assessed the best practices that companies use to entice, keep, cultivate, and promote the progression of underrepresented groups at work. Some examples of potentially underrepresented groups include LGBTQ, people of color, women and people with disabilities or special needs.

Marriott International

Marriott extends its diversity practices to its employees, vendors, customers, and leaders. The company’s cultural engagement program is called TakeCare and has 15,000 champions across the country that help promote all employees’ well-being, including people with disabilities or special needs. 

The hotel chain recognizes locations that provide an exceptional working environment. Part of a healthy work atmosphere is embracing and promoting diversity. Marriott’s CEO has championed a “Respect for All” campaign, which emphasizes cultural awareness and inclusion for people of all races, backgrounds, genders, cultures, and abilities. 

Hilton

Hilton is a global brand of companies that aims to create a welcoming environment for people with disabilities or special needs, from different cultures or of different backgrounds. It takes a wide range of viewpoints to form a collective. Also, an employee culture that includes people with disabilities or special needs may better represent the company’s customer base. Forbes has given Hilton the title of Best Employer for Diversity and Best Place to Work in the U.S.

Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company’s leaders appreciate differences. This is one of those companies that believes that bringing together different people and perspectives improves its mission and ability to serve. Eli Lilly and Company has implemented a successful program to promote more females. The company also conducts research to find out more about the lives of minority team members, such as people with disabilities or special needs. The company holds leaders accountable and creating cross-cultural literacy. 

ADP

ADP fosters a culture of inclusion. Its leaders are committed to creating an environment in which everyone can grow and thrive. The company has fair hiring practices and promotes equal pay for its employees, including people with disabilities or special needs and those of any race, sexual orientation, gender, age, ethnicity, and veteran status.

Accenture

Accenture’s leaders want all its extensive employee base to feel included. Its workforce is 44 percent female. The company also has a LGBTQ+ network with over 118,000 allies, more than 27,000 internal disability champions and 4,500 mental health allies.

Maintaining a diverse workplace is not a one-time activity for companies. It must be an ongoing practice. Leaders must consistently train employees and offer learning opportunities to expand acceptance and awareness of everyone, including people with disabilities or special needs.