Global cosmetics company L’Oréal was recognised recently for its commitment towards gender equality. Equileap rounded up the European companies that best promote gender equality including Merck and Diageo.
“Diversity and Inclusion are values that are part of L’Oréal’s DNA. This year, Equileap has again recognised our commitment towards gender equity. Even if we are pioneers in gender equality, and if our actions are valued, we must remain committed because we are convinced that gender parity is a performance issue and a key driver for innovation,” said Jean-Claude Le Grand, L’Oréal’s executive vice president, Human Relations.
Equileap ranks international inter-sectoral classification across the business sector and examines the published data of 3,000 companies worldwide.
“We have seen organizations making great strides toward improved gender equality in the past 12 months,” said Equileap CEO Diana van Maasdijk. “There is a long way to go until we reach the goal of true global equality in the workplace for everyone. True gender equality isn’t just about pay and the representation of women on boards, it’s a far more complex issue. That is why our research looks at 19 different factors including benefits such as shared parental leave. We want to see a level playing field for every employee, not just women.”
L’Oréal has promoted women in the workforce and ensured equal access to training and moving up the ladder scale. The cosmetics giant also focused on the gender pay program with INED, the French National Demographic Research Institute since 2007 which conducts a thorough gender pay gap analysis.
The makeup company said it’s also regularly audited to obtain certifications from the Gender Equality European and International Standard in 23 countries and Economic Dividends for Gender Equality in seven countries.
“The fact that more and more companies are working on gender equality means progress will be quicker and things will really start moving,” added Le Grand.
L’Oréal said that companies worldwide that have positive gender mix are 21 per cent more efficient compared to companies that don’t.
2018 Equileap Top Ranking:
1. General Motors
2. L’Oreal
3. Kering
4. Merck & Co.
5. StarHub
6. Tele2
7. Westpac Banking
8. National Australia Bank
9. Swedbank
10. JPMorgan Chase
