More companies are promoting workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion every year – and for a good reason. A Deloitte study found that diverse teams perform 80 percent better than their non-diverse counterparts. And according to Boston Consulting Group, diversity and inclusion companies generally achieve 19 percent higher revenue than their less inclusive peers.
But aside from greater profits and better team performance, the human element is just as important to consider. Employees deserve to be treated with respect and care. They should also feel comfortable and safe in the workplace.
Before we get into the best companies for diversity and inclusion, let’s look at what employees gain from working at a DE&I-focused organization.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace goes beyond hiring diverse talent. It’s about fostering a culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. When everyone can thrive, it drives engagement across all levels of the organization.
DE&I refers to the active programs and policies a company enacts to promote representation, acknowledgment, and participation of people of different backgrounds, races, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, and religion. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, let’s look at how diversity, equity, and inclusion differ.
- Diversity is the presence of difference. It typically refers to representing others across a spectrum of race, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and others.
- Equity is about putting employees on equal footing. Companies can create fair access to opportunities and advancement by recognizing and minimizing the barriers some face in the workplace.
- Inclusion creates the opportunity for team members and employees to feel a genuine sense of belonging and value within a workplace.
Benefits of working at a diverse and inclusive company
The best companies for diversity and inclusion create a welcoming environment that leads to greater employee productivity and loyalty. They also benefit from multiple viewpoints and perspectives that bring innovative and creative solutions. Some additional benefits that diversity and inclusion companies experience include:
- Higher employee engagement and sense of belonging: A diverse and inclusive workplace can improve employee engagement. If team members feel respected and important, they feel a greater connection to the company.
- Attract and retain talent: Employees and job seekers value company cultures that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
- Improved company decision-making and efficiency: DE&I helps teams solve problems and approach challenges from different angles.
- Better customer insights and market innovation: More unique perspectives and experiences help organizations stay creative and nimble.
Now that we’ve explained the benefits of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, let’s explore some of the best diversity and inclusion companies.
10 Companies with award-winning DE&I Practices in 2024
This year, Energage recognized 65 employers with the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I national award, all based on real employee insights. Here are ten companies that made the list.
LAIKA
LAIKA, the film company behind Coraline, The Boxtrolls, and more, is committed to telling original, enduring stories to the widest possible audience. LAIKA prioritizes DE&I practices, which helps employees be brave, innovative, and respectful — just like the core themes of the company’s first films.
- Industry: Film
- Location: Hillsboro, OR
- Learn more: LAIKA company profile
BEHR
BEHR Paint Company is one of the largest paint manufacturers in America. The company values individuality, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. BEHR won the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I Practices award, along with six other 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards.
- Industry: Chemicals / Paint
- Location: Santa Ana, CA
- Learn more: BEHR company profile
Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen employees describe the company culture as inclusive, passionate, and supportive. A proud recipient of the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I Practices award, the organization also received the 2024 Top Workplaces for Remote Work award, the 2024 Top Workplaces for Innovation award, and more.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Learn more: Susan G. Komen Foundation company profile
Paycor
Paycor values ambition, opportunity, and DE&I. Employees at the company take care of each other, think big, and do the right thing. Paycor has won six Top Workplaces awards this year, including the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I Practices award.
- Industry: Payroll
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Learn More: Paycor company profile and Paycor success story
Endeavors
Endeavors’ company culture is rooted in community and service. When asked about this, Endeavors’ Corporate People and Culture Officer, Feliece Murrell, said that her team uses employee equity and belonging to drive engagement. No wonder the organization has won the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I Practices award, the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, and more in 2024 alone.
- Industry: Human & Social Services
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Learn More: Endeavors company profile and Endeavors success story
Elevate Energy
Elevate Energy is a nonprofit organization seeking to create a just and equitable world. To do so, the organization dismantles dated racist patterns and provides clean energy to people who need it most. Elevate company culture has similar values and has been recognized with Top Workplaces awards in different categories, including DE&I, innovation, leadership, and purpose and values.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Learn more: Elevate Energy company profile
Blueprint Medicines
At Blueprint Medicines, connection and collaboration are key culture drivers. The organization creates a safe space for diverse perspectives and backgrounds, knowing that DE&I makes it stronger. When fresh voices are a part of the conversation, great things happen, like winning the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I award and the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, among many others.
- Industry: Biotechnology
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Learn more: Blueprint Medicines company profile
First National Bank
A 2024 Top Workplace for DE&I Practices, First National Bank is dedicated to building a diverse workforce where people from all backgrounds can learn, grow, and win together. The company values innovative ideas and the individuals behind them.
- Industry: Banks
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Learn more: First National Bank company profile
CapEd Credit Union
CapEd Credit Union knows that belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion improve innovation and well-being. The organization respects and values all people, experiences, skills, and opinions equally. At CapEd, an empowering environment drives collaboration and a shared mission of superior community enrichment and service quality.
- Industry: Credit Unions
- Location: Meridian, ID
- Learn more: CapEd Credit Union company profile and CapEd Credit Union Success Story
The Village for Families and Children
The Village for Families & Children’s mission is driven by diversity and anti-racism. The organization, which recently won the 2024 Top Workplaces for DE&I Practices award, pledges to use the power of staff, policies, practices, and partnerships to fight biases and discrimination.
- Industry: Human & Social Services
- Location: Hartford, CT
- Learn more: The Village for Families & Children company profile
Get recognized by Top Workplaces
If your organization also prioritizes DE&I, get recognized for it. Nominate your organization for Top Workplaces, the nation’s trusted employer recognition program. Go here to explore the winners of the 2024 DE&I Practices award.
