Henkel's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: A Win-Win for Business and Employees
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 10:47 am ET
DEI --
Henkel, a leading manufacturer of well-known consumer and industrial brands, has once again demonstrated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by earning a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This recognition as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion is a testament to Henkel's unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that benefits both employees and the business.
Henkel's approach to DEI is holistic and comprehensive, encompassing various initiatives that create a welcoming environment, implement inclusive benefits, and support an overall inclusive culture. One key aspect of Henkel's DEI strategy is its commitment to gender diversity. The company has set an ambitious goal to achieve gender parity across all management levels by 2025, with a significant increase in women on top management levels and a focus on building the pipeline for future leadership positions. This commitment to gender diversity has contributed to Henkel's financial success, with the company reporting sales of close to 6.6 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in North America alone in 2023, accounting for 28 percent of the company's global sales.
Henkel's dedication to DEI is further evident in its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which span over 20 chapters and over 2400 employees across the region. These ERGs provide a supportive community, elevate diverse perspectives, and promote growth opportunities for employees and the business. By fostering an inclusive culture, Henkel attracts and retains top talent, enhancing its competitiveness and creativity.
Henkel's involvement with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Corporate Equality Index has significantly influenced its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and overall brand reputation. The company's participation in the CEI has driven it to expand its parental leave policy, providing 12 weeks of fully paid time off for all U.S. employees welcoming a child, regardless of gender or family structure. Additionally, Henkel has implemented gender-neutral parental leave, offering up to eight weeks of fully paid leave based on the caregiver role, rather than gender or biological parent status. These inclusive policies and programs have not only enhanced Henkel's brand reputation as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion but have also attracted top talent and widened its consumer base.
Henkel's commitment to DEI is a win-win for both employees and the business. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the company attracts and retains top talent, enhances its reputation, and ultimately drives business growth and improved financial performance. Henkel's approach to DEI serves as an example for other companies in the consumer goods industry, demonstrating the value of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
