In its 2021 list of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity, DiversityInc highlights companies in several industries — including healthcare, technology, finance, and retail — that are stepping up to promote workforce diversity and equality.
DiversityInc’s ranking is based on a survey of US companies with at least 750 employees. Along with the potential to be featured in the listing, participating companies receive a free report card on their diversity and inclusion performance.
The top-performing companies in 2021
Hilton, Accenture, and Eli Lilly and Company took the top three spots on the list this year.
Hilton has been climbing up the ranks for several years now, but this marks its first appearance at #1. Given that it serves communities all around the world, diversity is deeply rooted within the company’s mission and goals. “Understanding our team members’ unique perspectives, along with those of our guests, owners, suppliers, and partners, is essential to driving our competitive performance,” Hilton said. “Our company will always strive to reflect the global communities where we live and work.”
Representing the staffing industry, Randstad also made the list, coming in at #30. Randstad jumped up seven spots from last year, proving its dedication to advancing DE&I initiatives. The company’s North America CEO, Karen Fichuk, stated, “A company’s ability to find the best and brightest — and advance and retain them equitably — is a decisive competitive advantage.”
DiversityInc also ranked companies in several specialty lists to highlight performance in key areas of diversity and inclusion. Here are some of those lists:
- Top Companies for People with Disabilities (#1: Eli Lilly and Company)
- Top Companies for LGBT (#1: Capital One Financial)
- Top Companies for Talent Acquisition for Women of Color (#1: Comcast NBCUniversal)
- Top Companies for Veterans (#1: Accenture)
- Top Companies for Employee Resource Groups (#1: Humana)
- Top Companies for Mentoring (#1: EY)
- Top Companies for Sponsorship (#1: EY)
A lot has changed in the 20-year history of the Top 50 list — just within the past year, the spotlight on diversity, inclusion, and social justice inspired more businesses to acknowledge shortcomings and take action toward workplace equality.
But despite the progress, there’s still plenty of room for growth. Perceptions of company D&I initiatives vary wildly among different racial and ethnic groups. And women, particularly women of color, are sorely underrepresented in leadership roles.
DiversityInc’s list serves not only as a benchmark for diversity management performance, but a source of motivation for companies looking to create a better workplace for all.
