Superdrug & Savers Awarded Stonewall Bronze for Workplace Equality Commitment
Leading accessible health & beauty retailer, Superdrug, alongside its sister company Savers, has received a Bronze Award in Stonewall’s UK Workplace Equality Index.
The Workplace Equality Index recognises exceptional employers committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) rights, launched the Top 100 Employers List to recognise companies that support LGBTQ+ staff in being themselves at work. Last year, Superdrug & Savers joined Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Programme, committing to work closely with the charity to ensure they continue implementing inclusive practices and policies that allow LGBTQ+ employees to bring their full selves to work and thrive.
More than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) have hidden who they are at work for fear of discrimination. This means LGBTQ+ people often feel limited in job opportunities or that the workplace culture isn’t suited for them. Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2024 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from the public, private, and third sectors based on how inclusive their workplaces are.
Amy Davies, People Director at A.S. Watson Health & Beauty UK, said: “11% of our staff identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re proud to attract a higher proportion of people from this community. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remain a priority for us as a business, but we know that statements alone aren’t enough, and we will always have more work to do.
“We’re honoured to have received the Bronze Award in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index and look forward to working with the Stonewall team on our strategy and development areas over the coming months.”
Colin Macfarlane, Director of Programmes and Income at Stonewall (he/him), said: “Implementing inclusive practices and policies is vital for employers who wish to attract and retain top LGBTQ+ talent. The Workplace Equality Index draws participants from diverse industries and sectors, all of whom understand that inclusivity is the future and are leading the way in this vital change. By championing LGBTQ+ employees, you foster a happy and motivated workforce and contribute to a UK where LGBTQ+ people can thrive as their true selves.”
Superdrug recently launched an initiative encouraging team members to “Unlearn” negative and harmful beliefs, biases, and stereotypes, celebrating diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Building on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, known as “Everyone Matters,” the Unlearn initiative educates employees on different personal experiences and identities, with the understanding that everyone is unique. Everyone Matters focuses on six areas: Age, Social Mobility, Disability, Gender Equality, LGBTQ+, and Race & Ethnicity.
