For today’s C-suite executives, prioritising Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is crucial. Diverse teams are known to drive innovation, build customer trust, and enhance financial performance, making ED&I a critical part of any forward-thinking business. Across the U.S., many companies are making significant strides in creating inclusive, equitable work environments. Below are ten American businesses that are setting a strong example through comprehensive strategies, notable initiatives, and meaningful, long-term changes.
1. Microsoft
Industry: Technology
As one of the most influential companies in the world, Microsoft has long been a leader in ED&I. With a focus on increasing representation of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous employees, Microsoft’s Racial Equity Initiative sets tangible goals, including committing $150 million to internal programs that promote diversity. The company has also strengthened its accessibility initiatives, working to create inclusive technologies that accommodate all abilities.
2. Salesforce
Industry: Software/Cloud
Salesforce’s commitment to equality spans across gender, race, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The company actively monitors and addresses pay gaps, aiming to close gender and racial disparities. Chief Equality Officer Tony Prophet leads several initiatives aimed at diversifying leadership, increasing racial representation in the workforce, and making philanthropic investments in underserved communities. Salesforce’s workplace culture thrives on transparency and measurable ED&I outcomes.
3. JP Morgan Chase
Industry: Financial Services
JP Morgan Chase is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S. with a clear focus on embedding ED&I throughout the business. Their Advancing Black Pathways initiative is designed to improve access to financial services and employment opportunities for Black communities. The bank also announced a $30 billion commitment to address racial inequity, targeting affordable housing, diversity in homeownership, and financial inclusion.
4. Google
Industry: Technology
Google has faced scrutiny in the past, but it’s actively working to lead change in the tech industry with bold ED&I strategies. The company’s Diversity Annual Report provides transparency about its workforce demographics and highlights progress in increasing representation of women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Google’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help foster belonging across its diverse workforce, while their “Grow with Google” program brings digital skills to underserved communities.
5. Citi
Industry: Financial Services
Citi has been a vocal leader in addressing racial inequality, with a $1 billion commitment toward closing the racial wealth gap in America. The bank’s Action for Racial Equity focuses on increasing investment in Black-owned businesses, expanding affordable housing, and supporting education for marginalized communities. Internally, Citi is committed to increasing diverse representation at all levels of the organization and has launched initiatives to address gender equality and disability inclusion.
6. Nike
Industry: Retail/Sportswear
Nike is renowned for weaving social justice into its brand DNA. The sportswear giant not only amplifies voices through its marketing campaigns but also takes substantive action within the organization. In 2020, Nike pledged $140 million over 10 years toward supporting Black communities and announced plans to increase diversity in leadership roles. Their Black Community Commitment program goes beyond racial justice and includes goals to support gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental justice.
7. Johnson & Johnson
Industry: Healthcare
As a leader in healthcare, Johnson & Johnson views ED&I as critical to its mission of advancing human health. The company has developed comprehensive strategies aimed at promoting gender equality, increasing racial diversity, and fostering an inclusive culture. Johnson & Johnson’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design (WiSTEM2D) program focuses on closing the gender gap in STEM industries, while the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Impact Review tracks progress across a range of metrics.
8. Walmart
Industry: Retail
Walmart, the largest employer in the U.S., is tackling ED&I at scale. Their Center for Racial Equity was established to address systemic racism in society, focusing on healthcare, financial inclusion, education, and criminal justice. Walmart also aims to increase the representation of women and people of color in leadership positions, while providing career opportunities for underrepresented groups at all levels of the company.
9. Intel
Industry: Technology
Intel has been at the forefront of tech diversity for years, consistently publishing detailed ED&I reports. The company achieved global gender pay equity and is committed to reaching full representation of underrepresented minorities in its U.S. workforce by 2030. Intel also launched the RISE 2030 strategy, which includes initiatives to advance racial justice, address environmental sustainability, and foster inclusion for employees of all backgrounds.
10. IBM
Industry: Technology/Consulting
IBM is a veteran in the ED&I space, with decades of commitment to equal opportunity employment. Their Be Equal initiative advocates for the advancement of gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial diversity. IBM is a member of several coalitions aimed at reducing systemic inequalities, including the Pledge to America’s Workers. The company actively works to increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities in technical and leadership roles, fostering a workplace that thrives on innovation through diversity.
The future of business depends on the ability to embrace diverse perspectives, foster inclusive environments, and address systemic inequalities. The companies leading in ED&I today are not only contributing to a fairer society but are also positioning themselves to succeed in the marketplace of tomorrow.
