A new study has found that whilst the vast majority (84%) of companies in the food and grocery industry believe they are performing better today than they were five years ago on diversity and inclusion, fewer than half (45%) of businesses have adopted a co-ordinated strategy on the topic.
The report – Diversity in Food and Grocery – by IGD and executive search firm The MBS Group, in association with PwC, also highlights that despite a genuine desire to do more across the industry, there is a reluctance to talk more openly about diversity and inclusion in case businesses are seen to be “behind the curve”.
Drawing on data captured from over 200 companies and conversations with more than 100 Chairs, CEOs and HR Directors, the study highlights some examples of how some organisations are driving greater diversity in practice. This includes areas such as the gender pay gap, women’s presence in Board roles, and company’s approach to LGTBQ staff, and those with a physical disability.
Susan Barratt, CEO of IGD, said: “Studies have shown that more diverse and inclusive workplaces have a higher level of employee engagement, are more productive and are more profitable. The response and interest in this project from across our industry has been fantastic; there’s no doubt much is happening at an individual business level as well as collaboratively. However, this research also clearly demonstrates there is a need – and an appetite – to do a lot more.
“The progress that has been made in gender equality and the wide range of initiatives already in place to nurture female talent is particularly encouraging. But there are other levers of diversity beyond gender that can also help to create a diverse workforce – age, ethnicity, LGBTQ, social mobility and disability, amongst others. The research shows there is much more to do in these areas, to help businesses unlock new sources of talent for the future. IGD will continue to champion this important topic and make sure it stays high on our industry’s agenda.”
Elliott Goldstein, Managing Partner, The MBS Group, added: “Food and grocery is very much a data-led sector. It is our hope and belief that by providing our sector with a snapshot of diversity today, the findings will enable organisations to benchmark themselves against their peer group, and adjacent sectors/industries, and to act as a catalyst to change and development.”
