The consulting industry show of force for Mexican workplace diversity

Some of the world’s largest consulting firm’s have joined the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s five year in-the-making Workplace Equality Program, demonstrating the industry’s determination to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Diverse and inclusive workplaces benefit both companies and economies as a whole. They promote engagement, attract a greater talent pool and improve decision making as there is a broader range of knowledge across sectors. Whilst the uptake in equality policies – especially for LGBTI+ people – has been slow in comparison to Europe and North America, Latin American businesses are beginning to capitalize on the many benefits that accompany equality.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released the results of Equidad MX Best Places to Work LGBT 2018 – with the help of local diversity consulting outfit FVConsulting – outlining a number of companies that represent the top standards of equality. HRC Equidad MX promotes three strategic pillars to improve equality across workplaces. They include; the adoption of nondiscrimination policies, the creation of employee resource groups or diversity and inclusion council, and engagement in public activities to support LGBT inclusion.

“Corporate leaders in Mexico increasingly recognize that when they stand up for LGBT people, including their own employees, customers, and consumers, they promote justice while also serving their bottom line,” said Francisco Robledo and Fernando Velázquez of HRC Equidad MX Implementing Partners.

The consulting industry overall exemplified best practice and joined industry heavyweights such as AT&T, Google and Walmart. At the top of the list, scoring 100% on their assessment is Accenture, EY, IBM and The Boston Consulting Group who join 28 other businesses. Together, the group accounts for over half a million workers throughout the country. They were also joined by out-performers McKinsey & Company and Oliver Wyman who were also celebrated for their achievements.

“We are proud to witness the growth of LGBT-inclusive businesses throughout Mexico. This year’s honorees keenly understand that the economy of the future is built with the diverse talent of today, and that LGBT inclusion is key to attracting and retaining the best workforce,” said Deena Fidas, HRC Director of HRC Equidad MX and HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program.

“Mexican multinational companies have enormous economies and employ thousands of people. This gives them the ability to influence change on this issue in a unique way, and we are delighted to recognize them for this commitment.”

Inclusion and diversity

The report states that the reasons for driving change and move into line with the global standards of inclusion and diversity can aid international growth. Anti-discrimination policies can allow businesses to align with key investors and supplier standards, eliminating barriers to trade and mobility of talent.

For example, as over 80% of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, a lack of policy itself may be a barrier to trade in general. For Mexico in particular, the country itself has been plagued by a high level of gender inequality driven by machismo.

Described in an A.T. Kearney report last year as one of the main factors in a lack of workplace diversity in Mexico. Machismo is a large barrier to the economic benefits which diversity will bring to the Mexican economy. The report identified that the prevalence of a ‘macho' culture itself is hindering Mexican workplace growth and productivity.

That being said, the growth in partners and participants for Equidad MX shows that times are changing. “HRC Equidad MX 2019 is an unprecedented moment for LGBT inclusion in Mexico and the Latin American region,” Robledo and Velázquez concluded.