IGD has published its new research on inclusion and diversity (I&D) in the food and consumer goods industry.
The report, which surveyed 30 companies and interviewed senior HR leaders across major retailers, food service providers and branded manufacturers, provides a benchmarking framework and gives practical advice that companies can use to develop their I&D strategy.
'Fully Committed To Driving This Agenda'
CEO of IGD, Susan Barratt, said, "As the largest consumer-facing industry and largest private-sector employer, the need for our industry to lead the inclusion and diversity agenda is significant.
"Last year, we made a pledge to champion this important topic and ensure it stays high on the industry's agenda. One year on and we remain fully committed to driving this agenda forward."
The research report, Inclusion and Diversity – Benchmark your progress and build your plan, builds on the pioneering research that IGD conducted in November 2019, in conjunction with The MBS Group and PwC, Diversity in Food and Grocery.
At that time, IGD analysed how the industry was performing from a diversity perspective. The new research examines the current challenges and barriers to progress.
Key Findings
The study found that while the industry demonstrates commitment and energy to make tangible progress, there is more work to be done.
Over 80% of companies surveyed reported having I&D as part of senior leadership conversations, while 50% said they have an I&D strategy in place.
The report also showed that 45% of companies are yet to set out their I&D initiatives formally.
Gender diversity featured as part of I&D plans for 90% of the participants, with 60% of companies stating the lack of diverse role models within the organisation as a significant challenge.
Elsewhere, 50% of respondents identified the task of making progress on ethnic diversity as the most challenging area due to inaccurate data and the lack of relatable role models.
Three-Tier Categorisation
The IGD also outlined a three-tier categorisation of companies to benchmark and support leadership discussions around the subject.
The first is the 'Sprinting ahead' category, which comprises companies that have prioritised I&D at the very core of their business for over three years.
The second is the 'Up and running' group, which includes companies that have started their I&D strategy following this year's developments.
The third is the 'On the starting blocks' group. It comprises of companies that are yet to set out their stance on I&D formally.
The download the full report, click here.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
