REI named best employer for women
Based on the results of surveys conducted in March and April of this year, Forbes’ third annual ranking of the best employer for women has put sporting goods retailer REI at the top.
The surveys were conducted by market research firm Statista, which gathered feedback from 75,000 Americans, 45,000 of which were women, working for businesses that employ more than 1,000 workers. Those surveyed represented 31 industries; they provided responses on areas such as company culture, opportunities for career development, image, working conditions, pay and diversity.
This represents a jump of 20 places on the Forbes list from 2019, though Forbes pointed out that REI received some criticism for its covid-19 response. The company was said to fail to inform employees when other workers tested positive, furloughed 90% of its employees in April and laid off more than 5% of retail staff in July.
However, the company was praised by its employees for inclusive leadership training for all people managers that was rolled out in 2019 and bias training given to all employees. Women are well represented in REI’s leadership, Forbes said; 38% of the board of directors, half of the senior leadership team, 44% of retail leadership and 45% of its overall workforce are female.
Other efforts include the company’s Force of Nature initiative, which has invested $1 million into organisations that help to connect women with nature, and the company has been recognised for more inclusive sizing of its outdoor apparel.
“Advancing gender equity isn’t hardwired into every company,” Forbes wrote, but “some businesses have far surpassed their competitors in creating an inclusive workplace for women.”
