"Boosting Customer Satisfaction: Strong DEIB Focus Makes Organizations 7x More Effective, Says Great Place to Work"

Mumbai, October 17, 2024: Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, has released its 2024 report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), which surveyed 9.7 lakh employees across various industries. The findings reveal a critical link between effective DEIB strategies and organizational success. When employees experience a workplace where diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging are embedded, they are 4.3x times more likely to look forward to coming to work.

The report highlights that companies advancing DEIB initiatives are directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality, SDG 8, which promotes inclusive economic growth, employment, and decent work for all, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities, are being addressed through these efforts. These initiatives foster social, economic, and political inclusion, while improving community outreach, creating a broader positive impact beyond the workplace. This focus on DEIB has also led to direct improvements in community outreach, further reinforcing the idea that inclusive business practices can drive change at a broader societal level. 88% of employees at the best workplaces say that they feel good about the societal impact they create.

On this note, Neha Chopra, Head – DEIB Consulting & People & Culture, Great Place To Work® India said, “As leaders, we must recognize that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are fundamental pillars of organizational success. These principles are not optional; they are imperative for fostering innovation, driving growth, and ensuring sustainable business performance in our interconnected world. The DEIB strategy is a cornerstone of any corporate ethos and competitive advantage. It empowers us to leverage cognitive diversity, foster psychological safety, and cultivate an environment where innovation flourishes.”

She also added, “By embracing DEIB, we create a synergy of diverse perspectives that propels us beyond conventional thinking and into realms of unprecedented creativity and problem-solving. Our report states that when DEIB initiatives culminate in a genuine sense of belonging, employees are 3.8 times more likely to thrive in their workplace. Furthermore, 85% of companies report enhanced ability to attract diverse talent through robust DEIB programs, thereby enriching their intellectual capital and broadening their strategic capabilities. We congratulate the winners of India’s Best Workplaces™ in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging 2024. These top workplaces show us that when people feel valued and included, they’re more engaged and productive. By making DEIB a priority, we’re not just building better companies – we’re creating a fairer and more successful future for everyone.”

Despite the progress made, outdated stereotypes and stigmas—particularly regarding gender roles, the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities—remain prevalent in many workplaces. The absence of anti-discrimination laws in certain regions and the prohibitive legal costs in others allow these biases to persist unchecked, creating significant barriers for historically excluded groups (HEGs).

The pay gap and unequal access to education further exacerbate these challenges, particularly in industries where advanced education is necessary for career success. Only 58% of organizations have conducted equal-pay audits, and just 53% have taken steps to close pay gaps

Many employees report that they don’t see meaningful progress in DEIB efforts and lack confidence that their organizations will take the right steps. Workers want to feel comfortable discussing their DEIB needs, yet many continue to experience discrimination, with few describing their workplaces as fair or respectful. Moreover, employees increasingly feel that their well-being is not prioritized, contributing to widespread burnout. Currently, 29% of employees are experiencing burnout, highlighting the urgent need for organizations to address this growing concern.

The 2024 DEIB report serves as both a guide and a call to action for organizations that are ready to shift from symbolic efforts to real change. With the right people practices in place, businesses can not only drive success but also become leaders in shaping a more inclusive future.

Here are some of the best DEIB workplaces recognized for their exceptional culture and employee satisfaction: (in alphabetical order)