In a globalized world, a diverse workforce is common. The real challenge for multinationals is ensuring every employee, everywhere, feels they genuinely belong. This commitment drives business success. Accenture, with its vast global reach, provides a strong model for How to Build Inclusive Global Workplaces.
Their approach moves beyond basic diversity. It focuses on the human element of the employee journey, making belonging central to their culture and performance.
A Culture Built on Equity and Experience
Accenture sees inclusion and diversity as vital to its mission: combining technology with human ingenuity. They believe diverse perspectives-cognitive diversity-spark innovation and solve complex client issues worldwide.
Their strategy has two core parts: a strong culture of equity and a top-tier experience for all employees.
- Gender Balance: They have a public goal of achieving a gender-balanced workforce (50% women, 50% men) globally by 2025. They are making steady progress.
- Global Pay Equity: They strive for 100% pay equity across genders in every country they operate. This is a tangible commitment to global fairness.
Measuring Inclusion: Workplace Surveys and Accountability
Accenture uses data and transparency to verify global effectiveness. Objective measurement turns ambition into verifiable achievement.
Data-Driven Decisions
Regular workplace surveys and targeted research are key. These tools help Leadership in workplaces find gaps across different regions and demographics.
- Employee Sentiment: Accenture’s own research explores the employee experience. Belonging, for them, involves feeling respected, having influence, and receiving sponsorship.
- The Disability Inclusion Focus: Research, often with partners like Disability: IN, confirms the business case. Companies leading in disability inclusion show superior financial results.
Public Transparency and Goals
The company proactively shares its workforce demographics. This transparency builds trust, enhancing its employer branding.
- Workforce Reporting: Accenture publishes comprehensive data on gender, race, and ethnicity for many countries.
- External Validation: Consistent recognition from third parties provides an external certification. Being highly ranked on global diversity indexes proves their sustained, world-class effort.
The Localized Human Connection
Inclusion must not be a rigid global rule. Accenture knows belonging is personal and must be supported locally.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Accenture’s lively employee networks are the heart of belonging across borders. These groups offer safe, collaborative spaces, essential for the global employee experience.
- Global Reach: They support over 90 Pride networks globally, plus many allies. Other groups focus on disability, faith, caregiving, and race, adapting to local needs.
- Interfaith Networks: Recognizing faith’s role, they host Interfaith ERGs. Events like Iftaar meals and Diwali celebrations foster understanding and connection.
Global Accessibility and Support
Practical resources are deployed globally to ensure accessible physical and digital workspaces.
- Inclusive Spaces: Many offices offer interfaith, wellness rooms, and all-inclusive restrooms, addressing diverse needs.
- Accommodation Tools: A global Accommodation Support Tool is available in over 40 countries. It helps employees easily request flexible work, assistive tech, or other support.
Leadership in Workplaces: Driving Inclusion from the Top
A truly inclusive global culture requires active leadership in workplaces. Accenture’s senior managers champion inclusion, holding teams accountable.
- Leading by Example: Senior leaders oversee diversity strategies, integrating them into all business functions, not just HR.
- Inclusive Training: They invest heavily in learning, including training on inclusive Leadership in workplaces and unconscious bias. This empowers every employee to be an ally.
- Beyond Accommodation: By embedding equity into every process-from hiring to pay-Accenture builds a meritocracy. All employees are respected and empowered to contribute their best, regardless of location.
This holistic, data-driven, and people-focused strategy helps Accenture transform global diversity into a powerful sense of belonging. It drives innovation and sets the standard for the modern, multinational Amazing Workplace.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, readers should verify information and seek professional advice as needed.
